Windhorst Says Damian Lillard's 'Preference' Was to Stay with Bucks Instead of Blazers
Damian Lillard turned a difficult situation after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks into a great feel-good story with his return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
On the latest episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast (starts at 13:20 mark), ESPN's Brian Windhorst said Lillard's "preference" would have been to remain with the Bucks to have an opportunity to compete for a title.
Lillard returned to the Blazers after agreeing to a three-year, $42 million contract on Thursday.
The Bucks stunned everyone on July 1 when it was announced they were using the stretch provision to waive Lillard in order to sign Myles Turner in free agency. The move came just over two months after Lillard tore his Achilles in Game 4 of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
Lillard's departure from Milwaukee ended what turned out to be a disappointing two-year partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even though both stars played well during their time together, it never clicked in the way that was hoped when the trade with Portland was initially made in September 2023.
Injuries were a huge part of the problem. Antetokounmpo missed the entire first-round series in the 2024 playoffs against the Pacers due to a strained calf.
Lillard, who missed the final month of the regular season due to a blood clot in his right calf, only played three games in the Pacers series this season.
Even though the Blazers don't appear ready to contend for a title in the Western Conference going into the 2025-26 season, having arguably the most beloved player in franchise history return to help set up their next era isn't a bad move for anyone.
Another key factor in Lillard's decision to sign with the Blazers was wanting to be closer to his kids, per Julie Evensen of The Oregonian.
It's unclear at this point if Lillard will even be able to play next season while he rehabs the Achilles injury. The opportunity to do so in an environment he knows and surrounded by his family could be worth a lot more than trying to wait out a scenario with a team closer to winning a title.
