Former teammate reacts to Damian Lillard re-joining Trail Blazers over 'ring chasing'

Damian Lillard spent the first 11 years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. After playing for the Milwaukee Bucks the past two seasons, he was shockingly waived with $103 million remaining on his contract after tearing his Achilles in the postseason.

While he had the opportunity to join a contender and rehab his injury, Lillard opted to return to Portland rather than attempting to ring chase. The franchise's all-time leading scorer signed a three-year, $42 million deal that includes a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause.

Lillard's former teammate with the Bucks, Patrick Beverley, chimed in on his return to the Trail Blazers.

"Dame to Portland he not wrong," Patrick Beverley tweeted Thursday. "said F that ring chasing. i’m going back where the LOVE ❤️ IS That’s really what hoopers want peace of mind and good HOOPS 🏀 That’s 🔥 @PatBevPod"

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Beverley added that he is unsure if Lillard regrets leaving Portland when asked by a fan.

"idk but i do know that the years he was there He had no injuries i do know that 🔥🔥❤️"

Lillard earned seven All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA nods in his first stint with the Trail Blazers. He averaged 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range and 89.5% from the free-throw line.

His production in Milwaukee was similar -- and he earned All-Star nods in each of his two seasons, albeit no All-NBA selections. Despite his individual success, the team was unable to advance past the first round of the postseason.

Additionally, Lillard saw the downside of ring chasing as the team showed him no loyalty after he suffered a torn Achilles. He is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season rehabbing the injury.

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