“Mentally he was never gone” – NBA insider hypes up Damian Lillard’s return to Portland

One of the biggest news stories in this NBA free agency was the return of Damian Lillard to Portland. On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Lillard’s homecoming as he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. After two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, the star guard is back to where he started his career in 2012.

Lillard’s time in Milwaukee was underwhelming. While he still played like an All-Star, he didn’t have a deep playoff run alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. In two postseason appearances, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round. It was proof that the experiment to pair the two stars wasn’t working.

Fortunately for Lillard, the Bucks waived him at the start of free agency to make room for Myles Turner, who signed a four-year, $107 million deal. This was the perfect chance for the star guard to explore his options in the open market, which he did.

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According to Charania, the former Weber State star received mid-level exceptions and minimum contracts from teams like the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he settled for a new contract with the Blazers.

On Friday, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins shared his thoughts on Lillard's decision to return to Portland. Before that, Perkins expressed his amazement and happiness that the nine-time All-Star was back at home.

"I was surprised but I am happy," Perkins said (via First Take's X handle). "It's been a dark cloud, it's been raining in Portland since Damian left and now the sun is shining."

Perkins added that Damian Lillard has always been mentally in Portland, even when he was with the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Physically he left, but mentally he was never gone. His heart was always in Portland. His family lives in Portland, his kids are in Portland and most importantly, this is who Dame is. Dame is not one who runs and ring chases... It was out of character for him to request a trade," Perkins said.

Family was the reason for Damian Lillard's return

After trying to win a championship in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard is back in Portland. According to Charania, his family played an important role in his decision to sign a new deal with the Blazers.

"Being back with his three kids was by far the biggest and most important factor in Damian Lillard deciding to return and re-sign with the Trail Blazers," said Charania on X.

Aside from his kids, his family also resides in Portland. Damian Lillard has been away from them for quite some time. Initially, he wanted to spend his rehab time with his kids, outside of Milwaukee. However, the Bucks denied his request, which led to him being released.

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Reign Amurao

Reign Amurao specializes in basketball at Sportskeeda, bringing 3 years of experience to his role and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.

A fervent supporter of the Phoenix Suns, Reign was hooked to their electrifying "Seven-Seconds-Or-Less" offense, which epitomizes high-paced and high-intensity basketball. For Reign, Steve Nash is the ultimate floor general, and he believes Boris Diaw could've been the next Magic Johnson if he had a bit more discipline. 

From Reign's perspective, Anthony Edwards is a 90s player stuck in modern times, and Gregg Popovich is an ultimate winner with unparalleled success and leadership in the sport.

Reign's expertise lies in NBA history, particularly the significant moments and trends of the 2000s and 2010s. He prioritizes in-depth research using only credible sources to maintain accuracy in his articles, and avoids misleading topics.

Beyond basketball, Reign enjoys gaming with friends and watches comedy shows and films.

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