After the Bucks shocked the world by parting ways with Damian Lillard, rumors are flying around about his next team. A Damian Lillard reunion with the Blazers is a popular idea, but it is not the right time, especially with Scoot Henderson.
Why It Is Not Yet Time For The Blazers To Reunite With Lillard
It is safe to say that Damian Lillard is one of the biggest legends in the Portland Trail Blazers’ history. He stuck with the team through thick and thin for 11 years until enough was enough. Lillard left to join the Milwaukee Bucks to play with Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of this generation’s best players.
With the combination of Lillard and Antetokounmpo, the Bucks looked to be contenders. Unfortunately, that did not happen because of injuries and peculiar chemistry issues between the two superstars. Most people expected them to be an unstoppable pick-and-roll partnership, but that never happened.
Now, the Bucks waived and stretched his contract over the next five seasons. Lillard is still recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, so he will likely sit out the 2025-26 season. Teams want to sign him, but one that some people want is a reunion with the Trail Blazers.
The Blazers Do Not Need Damian Lillard Right Now
Most Blazers fans would welcome a Lillard homecoming due to his iconic status in Rip City. He is one of the most beloved athletes who has ever played in Portland. He fully embraced the city during his 11 years with the team, and he still lives there during the summer.
Now that he is without a contract, he is staying in Portland to rehabilitate his Achilles tendon. He has a lot of time to stay in Portland and live with his children and family. However, it might not be the best move to reunite with the Blazers during his year away from the NBA.
The Portland roster already has two high-level point guards, Henderson and Jrue Holiday. Even if Lillard does not return to active play, it could mess with the environment in Rip City. The front office has finally committed to Henderson after trading away Anfernee Simons. Signing the previous franchise icon back might make Henderson feel awkward about his spot.
With Holiday already having the veteran guard role for the Blazers, the team does not need anyone else. It would be a fantastic sentimental signing due to his iconic status, but it is not yet time. Lillard has noted that he wants to retire with the Blazers, but he could still play more with other teams.
Dame has openly been telling people since the day of the trade that he wants to end his career in Portland and I think he probably will, especially now that he and Cronin appear to be cool again. But it doesn’t make sense at all right now, for him or for where the team is at.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 1, 2025
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Developing Henderson Is The Priority
While it would be lovely for Lillard to return to a raucous Moda Center crowd, it is not the time. The team is progressing well with the core, as Henderson, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan are developing well. They are preparing for the long-term future, and that should not involve a guard in his mid-30s.
When Lillard eventually returns to active play, he will want to be a starter for a team. A reunion with the Trail Blazers could cause some friction between him and Henderson. The young guard’s arrival was a big reason why Lillard left in the first place.
Chauncey Billups wants Henderson to keep developing, and that would mean a Lillard return should not be welcome. He is a beloved figure in the city and within the organization, but it is not the right time.
Coach Billups speaks on his role in the development of Scoot Henderson. pic.twitter.com/qBeFLhE9xu
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2025
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Lillard will likely return when he decides to retire. That could be one final season with the team, but he will not be the superstar-level player at that point. The Blazers should have Henderson as their primary piece at point guard when that time comes. Lillard would likely accept a lesser role in his late 30s for him to retire as a Blazer.
In the meantime, the Blazers want to focus on their long-term future. Henderson, Sharpe, Clingan, Camara, and Yang Hansen are all key pieces. Lillard remains iconic with the fans, but it is not the right time for a lovely reunion.
Photo credit: © Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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