Damian Lillard stayed in Portland Trail Blazers for 11 seasons, through ups and downs, demonstrating his dedication to the team and solidifying his place as one of the NBA’s most decorated players. In a perfect world, Lillard said, “I could spend my entire career in Portland.”
But the truth is, things change, and sometimes we have to say goodbye even to the best thing that ever happened to us, no matter how much we want to hold on to it.
Lillard joined the Bucks
Lillard’s official trade was announced on September 28 on X, but not to the team that everyone expected.
After weeks of rumors that Lillard might be getting traded to Miami or to other teams that showed interest, in the end, it was the Milwaukee Bucks who won the fight and acquired Lillard for their team.
Lillard goes Milwaukee as part of a 3-team deal with Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected MIL 1st, and unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to Blazers. Phoenix lands Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson. https://t.co/Ge0H91AiIA
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023
On the same day, the Bucks officially announced Lillard as a new member of their team. In their X account, they wrote:
Milwaukee Bucks acquire seven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA selection and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Damian Lillard.
📰: https://t.co/UW5WDDCq0H pic.twitter.com/0DXHxd0E3q
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 28, 2023
In the accompanying letter, the Bucks expressed their delight at the addition of Lillard, whom they described as an “exceptionally high-character person”, to their multi-faceted roster and that they were prepared to live up to fans’ expectations of the Bucks this season.
And while this marked a new era for the Bucks, it also signaled the end of Lillard’s long-standing relationship with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland’s Tribute to Lillard
Just a day after Buck’s announcement, Portland paid a tribute to Lillard, commending his work, his discipline, and his humility during his time with the franchise.
the work. the discipline. the humility.
thank you, Dame 🌹 pic.twitter.com/hsxclQyt0o
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) September 28, 2023
The video presented a glimpse of Lillard’s tenure and best moments with the Portland Trail Blazers, starting from the moment they recognized his potential and selected him in the 2012 NBA draft.
Fans also took the opportunity to praise and thank Lillard for sticking with the Blazers all these years.
Greatest in your history. As a franchise that’s been irrelevant between the Drexler years and 2012, he 100% put you on the map globally. Greatest by far. I love me so Dame Lillard, wished he retired a Blazers! But it is what it is. Better honor him for life @Dame_Lillard
— MadridLakersMix 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@ElMadridista00) September 28, 2023
“Thank you for all the amazing memories Dame! #YKWTII⌚️”– @rippackscity
Thank you for all the amazing memories Dame! #YKWTII⌚️
— Rip Packs City (@rippackscity) September 28, 2023
Nobody should wear the #0, Lillard brought #RipCity back to relevancy & he made a huge impact to all of Portland.
“I continue leaving Trails but won't be for the Blazers. I could never be replaced they'll know sooner than later. Just know that what I left is better than what I…
— saaid (@saaidNBA) September 28, 2023
The photo above is from a YouTube screengrab