After 11 years in Portland, Damian Lillard still had one more farewell to sаy to his adopted hometown.
The former Trail Blazers star and current Buck wrote a heartfelt letter of thanks to the Portland community for their support over the years.
With the phrase “Rip City Forever,” he shared the message online. The clock is ticking, Dаme.
First, let me assure you that this is not a farewell; rather, I want to see you again soon. When it comes to you, Rip City, my words have always come from the depths of my soul. You and many of my other relatives are like family to me, and that will never change. I’ve spent my whole adult life in this city, and I’ve developed friends here that I’ll never forget.
The memories I’ve made with you guys are far more meaningful than anything that’s happened to me on the basketball floor. I have no regrets about how I have responded to your unconditional love from the very beginning.
An offseason drаmа with the Trail Blazers regarding his future with the team was resolved with Wednesday’s blockbuster deal.
Lillard made his formal trade request in July after seeing the team’s future.
Lillard concluded his farewell speech by saying, “I was the young, new, confident, chip on my shoulder, proud, competitive, Rip City loving, mid-major PG that you all couldn’t get enough of.” Now that I’m getting on in years, I’m leaving the game, through the exit I hoped all along would take me to retirement and not to another squad. I’m going to miss this city and its followers very much. Nothing will ever alter it.
Lillard released a rap song on Wednesday under the alias Dаme D.O.L.L.A. in which he discussed the trade.
While saying his goodbyes, the veteran guard left the door open to a future return to Portland.
“I do believe a day will come where I put on a Blazers uniform again, and hopefully by then, I’ll be forgiven for breаking your hearts along with my own,” the note concluded.
In 2022–23, the point guard had his finest season ever, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game.