Damian Lillard braces for emotional return to Portland, says he's open to playing for the Blazers down the line

This homecoming will be emotional, to say the least.

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard faces a tough homecoming as he returns to the place he called home for 11 years—Portland—but now as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. The seven-time All-Star recently opened up about the events surrounding his departure from the Blazers and explained how he and the team's decision-makers just did not see eye-to-eye.

Back in Portland for the first time

Lillard will be playing at the Moda Center for the first time since the three-team blockbuster deal that involved Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Deandre Ayton, and Jusuf Nurkic. Lillard is a stoic guy, not often prone to emotions, but many expect him to be met with raucous applause normally reserved for gladiators and hometown heroes.

"I expect it to be a lot of love, honestly. I've always had a great relationship with the city and a great relationship with the fans. I don't see that changing at all. We had a lot of great times, a lot of high moments, and we've shared some low moments. We was always in the fight. We always had sell-out crowds, and I showed up and did what I needed to do, every night," Lillard shared.

Despite the events that preceded his departure, which included a long standoff, Dame obviously still loves Portland. He explained that his goal and the team's didn't align at the time.

"The Blazers just weren't in a time where winning a championship was possible or what was able to be done at the time," Lillard said.

"While I'm my best self, I want to be able to play for that."

"What made it the hardest is it wasn't a broken relationship...I come back with love"

Damian Lillard on returning to Portland for the first time since the trade.

"Being back in the building, being back home, I'm excited to play the game. I'm going to play free"@Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/Y9StRsSRzf

— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) January 30, 2024

Could make a comeback

Lillard went as far as saying he may even one day return to play for the team that drafted sixth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Weber State. However, that's all in the back of his mind right now as he is laser-focused on helping Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks win their second NBA title in the last four years.

"I see there being a time where I play for the Trail Blazers," Dame said.

"But it won't be right now. I play for the Bucks. To accomplish what we want to accomplish, you've got to be all in on that. And I was traded, and I'm all in to try to accomplish that here."

Damian Lillard on tomorrow's game vs the Blazers:

"I'm just excited to play... I think what made it the hardest was that it wasn't a broken a relationship... I come back with love.... I played so many games there I recognize fans faces from the court... Imma play the game free." pic.twitter.com/8BZDKiFyp2

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) January 31, 2024

GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Damian Lillard returns to Portland as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Blazers