In late September 2023, the NBA world was shaken by seismic trade news. The Blazers’ superstar, Damian Lillard, was moving to Milwaukee on a 3-team trade. Pretty sure many of you still remember the insane pressure and stress that came with closely following the development of the whole deal. While it wasn’t surprising, given that Dame requested a trade after failing to try and work things out, it was still a sad affair. The city meant a lot to Dame, both in terms of the sport and his personal life.

Since being drafted as No. 6 in 2012, Portland was the only place he knew. The only place he called home. Needless to say, it was the same for the fans, too. Perhaps that is why they still carry him in their hearts. As is clear from the latest tribute from a supporter.

Damian Lillard took to Instagram to repost a picture a fan shared on her story, tagging him along with two black hearts. Denise, a Seattle-based digital creator (per her bio), stood in front of a wall painting that depicted the 8x All-Star’s iconic ‘Dame-Time’ stance, posing the same way. No doubt, the sudden tribute reminded Dame of the good old days.

Not too long after he shared the story, it was her turn to repost the acknowledgment. The excitement and thrill at the unexpected yet more-than-welcome surprise was clear in her emotional caption. “Crying cus the legend reposted,” followed by heart-with-hand and face-holding-back-tears emojis, clearly showcasing her gratitude and admiration.

Dame, for his part, left a door wide open in his move to Milwaukee.

Damian Lillard made sure he conveyed his plans for the future clearly amidst the most supportive fan base ever!

“I definitely… see a day where I’ll be in a Trail Blazer uniform again before I’m done,” the 2024 All-Star Game MVP admitted to ESPN’s Jamal Collier in early February. When Damian Lillard arrived at Moda Center for his first game in a Bucks uniform, the 34-year-old had instinctively headed in the direction of the home locker. After all, that’s what he had been doing for the first 11 years of his NBA career. So, the misstep is understandable. And do you know the other group who is equally understanding? The fans.

Lillard received a one-minute standing ovation during pregame introductions. Following it were two tribute videos in the first quarter. But perhaps, capping it off all was a kid holding up a sign that read, “Get your ring then come back home!”

Talk about a supportive fan base. But it wasn’t just them who had Lillard’s back. Blazers‘ head coach, Chauncey Billups, detailed why his move was necessary. “In the situation that we’re in, you don’t want to see him in that type of spot where we’re doing what we’re doing and he’s out there bumping and grinding and scrapping and clawing and getting 30s and 40s and we can barely win those games.”

The franchise was focused on rebuilding while their star guard wanted to get a ring. And when those discussions reached nowhere, the only way was out. Either way, it worked out for the best. Dame is clearly in the best situation to win with the right partner and a great team. As for his return to Portland, if not as a player, he is more than open to the possibility of being a part-owner of his beloved team.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.