Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard Makes Honest Admission About His Game 2 Performance Vs. Indiana Pacers 4 Mar 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

'Go Back to the Blazers Bro' – Portland Trail Blazers Urged to Reunite With Damian Lillard After Shocking Milwaukee Bucks Departure

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:11 AM ET

Damian Lillard is currently a free agent after his contract was waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks , and he is urged to return to the team that drafted him into the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Speaking on the Club 520 podcast, former NBA player Jeff Teague advised Lillard to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he established himself as a club legend, over chasing rings.

“Go back to the Blazers bro,” Teague said. “Ain’t nobody gotta be mad at you with the Blazers…He’s already got a nice home there, he loves it there, he still lives there in the summer.”

Apr 30, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Portland Trailblazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Jeff Green (8) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“He felt like he made a mistake…It ain’t meant to be. You already tried that in Milwaukee. Go back where you’re celebrated. You the franchise leader. Just go to retire as a Blazer bro,” he added.

Portland Trail Blazers could consider reunion with Damian Lillard, claims insider

Chris Haynes recently appeared on NBA TV to talk about Damian Lillard and his potential next destinations, and the veteran reporter floated the idea of Lillard coming back to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dec 8, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

“Teams have been reaching out and trying to gauge his interest. One of those teams to look out for is the Miami Heat,” Haynes said. “That was a team that was trying to trade for him when Dame did request a trade from Portland initially. That’s one team that’s going to be in the mix. Throw Portland in there as well, a team that could possibly make a reunion.”

Lillard is in a unique situation, as he can bide his time while recovering from a torn Achilles. He is still getting paid by the Milwaukee Bucks and can secure more money when he signs with another club.