Damian Lillard is latest star to return to old stomping grounds - ESPN

There's nothing like going back to where it all started.

Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Thursday. Lillard spent his first 11 NBA seasons with the Trail Blazers and has the most career points in franchise history (19,376).

Portland traded Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks before the 2023-24 season, in which he would average 24.6 points, 7.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds in two seasons. He tore his Achilles during the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Milwaukee waived Lillard earlier in July and stretched his remaining deal to sign Myles Turner.

Lillard isn't the first — or the last — star to return to the team where they rose to prominence. Here's a look at other stars across U.S. professional sports since 2000 who returned to their old stomping grounds.

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

First stint: 2003-2010

Second stint: 2014-2018

James spent his first seven NBA seasons in Cleveland after the franchise selected him No. 1 in the 2003 draft. He won back-to-back MVPs and led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals in 2007 while averaging 27.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

Of course, he then famously announced his decision to leave the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in 2010 during an ESPN special titled «The Decision.» But four years later, after winning two titles with the Heat, he penned an essay announcing his return to the Cavaliers.

James fulfilled his promise of bringing a championship to the Cleveland by defeating the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

First stint: 2003-2016

Second stint: 2017-2019

Wade established himself as one of the best guards in the league