Damian Lillard’s Portland Trail Blazers legacy is officially secure with contract decision

Damian Lillard's legacy in Portland is already legendary.

Now, it's secure. He's the greatest, most beloved Trail Blazers player ever.

That won't be changing now, because he's returning to Portland on a three-year deal. He'll miss the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles, but that's at least two more years to add to his all-time franchise scoring record and make all sorts of memories along the way.

Dame embraced Portland from the start, because Portland embraced him.

He was the doubted guard who could only get a college chance at Weber State. And then he was doubted in the NBA, because he went to Weber State.

But from the start, it was clear Lillard was different. Dame Time was different. This guy was different.

MORE: LeBron James trade, buyout rumors take 180-degree turn

He stamped his early legacy with a ridiculous stepback game-winner in the playoffs against the Rockets.

He added that buzzer-beater and goodbye wave over, and to, Paul George in the postseason a few years later.

He always rode with Portland, years after he could've asked for a trade away to contend for a championship.

Maybe the best example of Lillard's impact was shown in a Jason Quick story on The Athletic after Lillard tore his Achilles in these playoffs while suited up for the Bucks.

Quick spoke with Portlanders, young and old, about Lillard. Each and every one was heartbroken for him, like he was their own son or brother.

Lillard's first healthy game back in Portland will be one of the most anticipated sporting events in the city's history, and deservedly so.

Damian Lillard is coming home, to his adopted home, his basketball home, his loving family. Portland and Dame will finish this thing out together, and there's nothing more special than that.

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony named greatest college basketball player of the millenium
• Lakers don't want former No. 1 pick in a trade
• Victor Wembanyama's real reason for training with Chinese monks revealed
• Pacers' All-Star seeking NBA comeback after 2 years missed from injury
• Bradley Beal's price was right for the Clippers
• Knicks haven't given up on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade