Ex-Celtics Star Reacts to Damian Lillard’s Trail Blazers Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 9:20 PM ET

After the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard, Lillard has decided to re-join the team that originally drafted him, the Portland Trail Blazers, as ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed Lillard will sign a three-year deal worth $42 million to begin his second tenure in Portland.

Lillard was originally drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2012. He went on to make seven All-Star games and help the team make eight consecutive playoff appearances from 2014 to 2021, including a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.

Lillard is unlikely to play during the 2025-26 season, as he is currently rehabbing from an Achilles tear. When he rejoins the Trail Blazers with a clean bill of health, whether this season or next, he will join a backcourt with Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe.

Among those who reacted to the Lillard news was former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas. Thomas gave his own thoughts on the matter via his X account, including that a family member saw it coming.

"Dame back to PO… My son James said that right after he got waived! lol crazy…" Thomas wrote.

Dame back to PO… My son James said that right after he got waived! lol crazy…
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 17, 2025

Thomas played for the Celtics from 2015 to 2017. Though he gained considerable fanfare during his time in Boston, the team has not brought him back since trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, like the Trail Blazers just did with Lillard.

Thomas last played in the NBA in 2024 with the Phoenix Suns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: