© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Bucks star Damian Lillard “absolutely” would love to gain an ownership stake in beloved Blazers franchise
When it's all said and done, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard would love to be back in his roots and reconnect with the Portland Trail Blazers in a major role.
In a recent interview with Landon Buford, Dame expressed his utmost intent to hold an ownership piece of the Blazers franchise.
Rip City legend
Dame spent his first 11 seasons in Portland, where he averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 boards, and 4.2 boards in 769 regular season games. Throughout this span, he blossomed as an all-time great player and the franchise's finest — transforming Rip City into a postseason mainstay that experienced a magical trip in the 2018-19 Western Conference Finals.
In last year's offseason, both Lillard and the Blazers decided to cut their ties as the All-Star was transferred to Milwaukee in a blockbuster three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns, which also saw the departure of Jrue Holiday. Upon leaving Portland, he cemented his name as the franchise's all-time leading scorer (19,376 points) and most three-pointers made holder (2,387).
Poised to become a Blazers team co-owner
The Blazers are currently owned by Jody Allen. Upon the death of his brother and longtime team owner Paul Allen in 2018, Jody inherited the governing post and has consistently deflected past inquiries of several figures like Nike founder Phil Knight to purchase the basketball franchise. In the 2023 report released by Forbes, the Blazers are valued at $3.08 billion — the 22nd most lucrative NBA team.
Dame is projected to amass $441 million total earnings in his NBA career once his max contract reaches the end in 2026-27, per Spotrac. He still also holds off-court ventures and business partnerships with various brands, most notably with Adidas. Furthermore, the 34-year-old seemed to have established his post-career path already through music and rapping.
For as long as money continues to flow and the income is trending upward, it is safe to assume that Dame will ultimately fulfill this wish of his to have an ownership stake in his beloved team sometime in the future.
