Lillard was a first-round pick in 2012 for the Trail Blazers and won Rookie of the Year before helping the franchise to eight playoff appearances over the next 11 seasons. He spent two years of teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee before choosing to come home to the West Coast.

At his re-introduction, Lillard said it never felt right leaving Portland. The All-Star will spend 2025-26 rehabbing before returning.