Buddy Hield had an interesting take on Damian Lillard’s return to the Trail Blazers.
After ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news of Lillard’s three-year, $42 million contract with Portland on social media, the Warriors guard commented, “Real,” on Charania’s Instagram post.
While there had been rumors that Lillard, who grew up in Oakland, could return home to the Bay Area and sign with Golden State, the 35-year-old wound up signing with the team that drafted him.
Lillard faces an arduous path back to the NBA after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April. An injury of that magnitude requires extensive rehab, putting his ability to suit up for Portland during the 2025-2026 NBA season in jeopardy.
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard this offseason, stretching the remainder of the $113 million left on his contract over the next five years, which paved the way for his return to Portland.
Hield and the Warriors held off on making any big moves during the offseason, with the belief that the core of Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Steph Curry can lead the team to another championship.
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