The MLS side have joined city-wide celebrations welcoming the NBA star after he to returned to the franchise that originally drafted him

Timbers organization shared congratulatory messagesLillard returns to Trail Blazers where he was originally draftedMove represents significant homecoming for Portland sports communityGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

The Portland Timbers publicly celebrated Damian Lillard's decision to return to the Portland Trail Blazers on a multi-year contract. It marked a momentous reunion between the NBA star and the franchise where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. Lillard, who was originally selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, rejoins the Trail Blazers after his brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Timbers joined the city-wide excitement with supportive social media posts welcoming the basketball icon back to Portland.

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Lillard's return to Portland represents a significant moment in the city's sports history, reuniting one of its most beloved athletes with the franchise where he became a seven-time All-Star.

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Unfortunately, Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season as he recovers from surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon. The guard tore it during Game 4 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indian Pacers and is unlikely to return until October 2026.