NBA Players Reacts To Damian Lillard Returning To The Blazers
Dame’s Homecoming: More Than Just Basketball
After a tough stint in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard realized that no city would ever love him like Portland. When he confirmed his return to the Trail Blazers, the NBA world erupted with emotion, revealing the depth of loyalty and brotherhood in basketball.
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Dwyane Wade: “Dame Dollar back where he should be.”
Wade, who spent most of his career in Miami and later returned for a heartfelt homecoming, immediately endorsed Dame’s return.
On July 17, 2025, Wade tweeted:
“Dame Dollar back where he should be at. Trail Blazers got it right.”
Wade’s own journey mirrored Dame’s: both left their basketball homes, found the grass wasn’t greener, and eventually returned to finish where their hearts belonged.
His message resonated deeply, suggesting that success at the end of a career isn’t always about chasing rings—it’s about finding happiness and closure.
CJ McCollum: Brotherhood Beyond Basketball
CJ McCollum, Dame’s longtime backcourt partner, responded to Lillard’s Instagram post with three heart emojis.
Their near-decade partnership in Portland forged a bond that transcended basketball, highlighted by playoff runs and unforgettable moments.
McCollum’s simple, heartfelt reaction spoke of shared memories, loyalty, and the meaning of coming home.
Buddy Hield: “Real.”
Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield commented “Real” on Shams Charania’s post about Dame’s new contract.
In today’s NBA, “real” means authentic, true to oneself—a rare quality in an era of superteams and ring-chasing.
Hield, who’d journeyed through multiple franchises, respected Dame’s choice to value family, legacy, and loyalty over an easier path to a title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Silent Support
Giannis, Dame’s former Bucks teammate, didn’t issue a statement but liked Dame’s post and shared Lillard’s new Adidas shoe on Instagram.
Their partnership in Milwaukee was cut short by injuries and playoff heartbreak, but Giannis’ subtle gestures showed respect and understanding for Dame’s decision.
Giannis’ actions spoke louder than words, highlighting the human side of professional sports.
Gilbert Arenas: “I’m happy for Dame.”
On his podcast, Arenas analyzed the Bucks’ decision to waive Dame, noting the financial and strategic implications.
Despite the business side, Arenas expressed happiness that Dame could now choose his own path, even speculating on possible “ring-chasing” destinations.
Ultimately, Arenas celebrated Dame’s return to Portland as a win for player empowerment and personal happiness.
Eddy Curry & Maurice Harkless: Respect from Peers
Former NBA center Eddy Curry and ex-Blazer Maurice Harkless joined the chorus of support on social media.
Harkless, who played alongside Dame during Portland’s golden era, understood firsthand what Dame meant to the city and the team.
Their reactions reflected the respect Dame commands across generations and roles in the league.
Conclusion: Loyalty, Legacy, and the Meaning of Home
Damian Lillard’s return to Portland wasn’t just a basketball transaction—it was a profound statement about loyalty, legacy, and finishing your story where you started. The outpouring of support from NBA peers, whether through tweets, emojis, or silent gestures, proved that in a league obsessed with winning, authenticity and heart still matter most.
Sometimes, the bravest move isn’t chasing a championship elsewhere, but coming home to finish what you started.
