Giannis Antetokounmpo Reacts as Damian Lillard Returns to Portland in Surprising NBA Shakeup

Damian Lillard is heading back to where it all began. After a dramatic roster shakeup in the Milwaukee Bucks, the nine-time All-Star guard has rejoined the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million contract.

The move comes after the Bucks made the unexpected decision to waive and stretch the remainder of Damian Lillard’s $113 million deal to free up cap space—paving the way for a major signing of center Myles Turner on a four-year, $108.9 million deal.Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shared the court with Lillard for just two seasons, was quick to show support. While the Bucks’ star forward hasn’t made a public statement, he did like Lillard’s Instagram post announcing his return to Portland—a subtle but meaningful gesture recognizing their brief partnership.Milwaukee’s decision to let go of Lillard stunned many around the league, especially given the high hopes that followed the 2023 blockbuster trade that brought Damian Lillard to the Bucks. Despite the hype surrounding the pairing of two future Hall of Famers, the experiment fell short. The Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in consecutive seasons, with injuries hampering their ability to compete at full strength.

As the Bucks move forward, they’ve focused on adding depth and versatility. Alongside Turner, Milwaukee has signed Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, while retaining several core contributors. The franchise appears committed to maximizing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s prime years with a reloaded roster.Meanwhile, Damian Lillard, now 35, returns to Rip City as a veteran presence. Although he is expected to miss most—or potentially all—of the 2025–26 season due to a torn left Achilles tendon, his leadership is seen as crucial for a Portland squad seeking its first playoff berth since 2021.During his time in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds across 131 games. While the partnership with Giannis didn’t yield the desired postseason results, it was a memorable chapter in both players’ careers—and the quiet nod from Giannis Antetokounmpo suggests mutual respect remains intact.Also read: Former 76ers star uncovers brutal truth about Joel Embiid's Injury Ordeal - "I have no idea how he could even walk!"As Damian Lillard returns to Portland and the Bucks chart a new course, the NBA landscape continues to shift. While their on-court partnership was brief, the mutual respect between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo endures—offering a reminder that in basketball, change is constant, but bonds between greats can leave a lasting legacy.