Lillard conveyed his gratitude to a broad range of individuals and stated his intention to return to Portland.
The NBA world was rocked in the midst of the week by the Damian Lillard deal. Following the announcement the following day, the star guard wrote a note to Portland Trail Blazers supporters.
Lillard wrote a long statement to the people he had close ties with, the city of Portland, the supporters, and the organization when he was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks at his own request:
To begin with, let me clarify that this is a “see you later” rather than a “goodbye.” Rip City, my remarks have always come straight from the heart. Along with several of my family members, you are my home.
Here, I’ve formed my entire adult life and have made a ton of people I will always cherish. Even though I’ve had some amazing moments on the basketball court, they pale in comparison to what I’ve experienced with each and every one of you. I had no option but to return the love a thousand times because of the way you welcomed me from the beginning, and I have no regrets at all.
Since I genuinely am one of you, I have to say that it saddens me to see some of you cross over and become my opponents after I requested to be swapped without knowing all the details. I’m hoping for a day when we can get together and remember the good days because we won’t have them anymore.
I was your all-time favorite mid-major PG—you know, the one with the chip on my shoulder, pride, competitiveness, love of Rip City, and youth and newness. I always hoped that the door I was about to close would lead to retirement rather than to another team now that I’m older and on my way out.
All I have left is love for this city and the fans. That won’t ever alter. I am grateful to Jody Allen. When I first met you, Jody, I thought you were a cool woman because you were wearing a vintage Blazers jacket and Alexander McQueen sneakers. We would be fine, I knew.
I sincerely regret for any miscommunication that may have occurred this summer, since you have been excellent in every way over the past five years. I will always be appreciative of your help throughout some trying times outside of basketball, during which you truly showed me and my family your love and concern. We’ll get our chance. Love and light to you!
I am grateful to Neil Olshey for selecting me with the sixth overall choice in the 2023 NBA Draft and giving me the chance to start my career and life in such a wonderful place. In addition, I want to express my gratitude to Terry Stotts for his love and freedom during my nine years with the group. I couldn’t have developed into my best self as a player without you.
I am grateful to Kim Hughes, John McCullough, David Vanterpool, Jay Triano, Dale Osbourne, Nate Tibbetts, Jim Moran, and Kim Hughes for being the village that helped me go in the proper manner as an NBA player from the start.
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You folks who were my previous teammates are aware of my true self. It’s the same in private as it is in public, and I find comfort in that. I cherish each of you.
To Anferno, my young fella! Haha… Even if he detests it, dude, I genuinely think the best of you. I noticed it right away. What really gave me faith in your potential in this league is not so much your natural talent and divine abilities as it is who you are. I’m thrilled.
