The Bucks won their division in Lillard's first year and locked up the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed prior to a first-round upset. They finished fifth in the conference last season and fell to the eventual NBA runner-up Indiana Pacers in the opening round. And with that, Lillard's chances of earning a ring before his eventual retirement dwindled.

The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the basketball world when they waived superstar Damian Lillard to sign center Myles Turner. And it was a surprise for Lillard too. L

The Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard this offseason after he spent two years with the team from 2023 to 2025. When the Bucks first acquired Lillard, there were high expectations that he and Giannis Antetokounmpo would potentially bring the Bucks another title together.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard shared Jrue Holiday’s message after Bucks release, teasing backcourt that ended up materializing.

Damian Lillard decided to come back home to Portland after two disappointing seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a free agent for the first time in his career and decided to head back home. Portland brought him back on a three-year deal worth $42 million.

The Damian Lillard era closed smoothly neither for him nor the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the star pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team never escaped a playoff round or reached the highs hoped.

Damian Lillard might not suit up this season, but his return to the Blazers could still be one of the most impactful moves of the summer.