Damian Lillard is back where he belongs. While everyone expected him to be devastated following his shocking departure from Milwaukee, turns out, the Bucks’ decision was a blessing in disguise for the sharpshooter. With no rush to join a new team, thanks to the Bucks paying him $112.6 million over the next five years because of the waive and stretch clause, Lillard is back in Portland to rehab from his Achilles injury while spending some quality time with his family. But amid his return to the city where he spent the first eleven years of his career, one of his former Blazers teammates is packing his bags to embark on a new journey.

Jabari Walker, who was Dame’s rookie during the 2022-23 season, is moving out of Portland after inking a two-way contract with the Sixers. Bidding farewell to his first home in the NBA, Walker penned a heartfelt message on Instagram, “Thank you for three of the most meaningful years of my life. You all took a chance on a young kid from Inglewood California and gave me an opportunity to live out a dream that I’ve held since I picked up a basketball.” As the forward thanked his coaches and teammates, along with the entire Rip City, Lillard wished him well for the new chapter in his young NBA career.

Dame shared Walker’s post on his IG story, writing, “Keep goin Bari.” Highlighting his wholesome message was a picture of Lillard mentoring a young Jabari during his rookie season.

Well, Walker’s run in Portland was promising, as he averaged 6.2 points and nearly five boards during his three-year tenure. But he was limited to playing only sixty games this season due to lingering injury woes. Moreover, it also impacted his performance, as Jabari’s numbers dropped to 5.2 points and less than four rebounds. Despite a disappointing final season in Portland, the forward is excited for what’s next. “PHILLY, WHAT UP! I’m here, I’m hungry, and I’m ready to get to work. Let’s get it @sixers.” He wrote. And he received complete support from his veteran leader Dame despite his personal turmoil.

Veteran insider claims Damian Lillard’s desire for Portland return could have fuelled Bucks waiver

Of course, a major reason Bucks waived Lillard was that he was set to miss majority of next season recovering from his Achilles injury. But the desire to spend his rehab period in Portland with his family might also have played a part in the organization’s abrupt decision. Per veteran insider Chris Haynes, “Aaron Goodwin, Damian Lillard’s agent about a month ago reached out to the Bucks and informed them that Dame would like to rehab back home in Portland and stay with his kids… and I was told that some people within the Bucks did not approve of that.”

He continued, “I think that might have gotten the ball rolling or at least put some ideas in the heads of the Milwaukee Bucks that kind of led to this decision.” Maybe, Bucks were not pleased with the idea of Lillard spending his lengthy hiatus away from the team. Whatever the reason, the waiver has seemingly opened several new doors for the Top 75 player.

While Lillard recovers from his injury, several teams are reportedly interested in acquiring him this offseason. Before he tore his Achilles, he had a solid regular season, averaging 24.9 points and over seven assists. Obviously, organizations around the league want a superstar of his calibre, especially now that he is expected to come at a discount because of Bucks’ waive and stretch situation. So, Dame is free to join a title contender without the fear of any financial constraints. Which team do you think suits him best?