Finally, the Philadelphia 76ers stand to benefit from what Damian Lillard just did. And no, the superstar did not find himself suddenly getting washed away by the tides onto the shore of Philly. Instead, he just made life easier for the franchise.
After weeks of speculation on his next move, the superstar guard shook everyone with his eventual choice, making the bold decision to return to the Portland Trail Blazers and skip on numerous offers to join contending and playoff teams.
Lillard went back to Portland to the tune of a three-year, $42 million deal, paving the way for him to return to the team the drafted him and where he spent the first 11 years of his career. He will miss most, if not all of the upcoming 2025-26 season, though, thanks to an Achilles tear that he suffered during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round series against the Pacers, which ended up being his final game in Milwaukee.
This is good news for the 76ers. While they were not even in the running to secure his services, this move only ensures that their pathway in the Eastern Conference will remain relatively easier next season.
The 76ers come out as victors after Damian Lillard returns to Portland
There were initially well-backed beliefs that Lillard would remain in the East. The nine-time All-Star was linked to teams like the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, although clearly, none of those teams ended up being his next shelter.
Without a doubt, this is music to Philadelphia’s ears. While Lillard is basically out of commission for next season, him signing with another ball club in the East would give the 76ers another thorn on their side in the near future, especially with him being available for cheap due to his peculiar contract situation.
For those in need of a refresher, the Bucks used the waive-and-stretch provision to get rid of Lillard, which was necessary for them to bring in Myles Turner. Milwaukee will still have to pay Dame what he is owed, but the All-Star had the liberty to choose a new destination.
It remains to be seen why the Trail Blazers still wanted to get Lillard back given their supposed youth movement, but all of a suddent, they have a good mix of veterans and young players. When he gets back to the hardwood, they could make the race out West even more unpredictable.
But for the Philadelphia 76ers, Damian Lillard helped them out by returning to the Western Conference. At least, that’s one proven star they wouldn’t have to worry about anymore.
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