Anyone who believes in the phrase “you can’t go home” again has clearly never talked to Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers legend is returning to his NBA home, doing so instead of chasing a chance at a ring with a contender. 

When the Bucks bought out Lillard, it provided the NBA veteran with a “blessing in disguise” opportunity. It got him out of a situation that never seemed to work and made him completely free to sign with any team. 

From the moment he became available, and even despite suffering an Achilles tear that will cost him next season, several teams were rumored to be interested, including marquee franchises in the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, Lillard’s childhood team, among others. 

But none of them stood a chance, because all Lillard wanted to do was go back home. Lillard prioritized being back in Portland with his family and returning to the place that will undoubtedly erect a statue in his honor someday. 

He decided his happiness was more important than joining another new team in a foreign city just for a shot at a ring. Instead of sitting out and waiting to see what unfolds in the coming months, Lillard was ready to commit to Portland in July.