Damian Lillard reveals former Bucks champion recruited him to Portland

The Milwaukee Bucks' offseason has been particularly intriguing, partly due to actions involving their former players. The NBA world adjusted to the Bucks' surprising decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.

Following his release, numerous teams pursued the elite player. Lillard, recovering from an Achilles tear, had already stated his intention to rehabilitate in Portland throughout the next season. Consequently, his return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise where he spent his first 11 seasons, was not entirely unexpected, and the team welcomed him back.

A key factor in Lillard's return may have involved another former Buck, Jrue Holiday. Lillard revealed in a recent interview that Holiday texted him immediately after the waiver. Holiday, who won a championship with the Bucks in 2021 and another with the Boston Celtics in 2024, had been traded to Portland this offseason. Holiday sent Lillard an eyeball emoji, referencing Lillard's deep ties to Portland (where he lives and built a home). Lillard interpreted this as Holiday encouraging his return, stating he already knew his destination when he received the message but didn't want to confirm it prematurely.