Damian Lillard snubbed Celtics and Timberwolves offers for one "important" reason leading to Portland reunion: Report 

Damian Lillard chose a reunion with the Portland Trail Blazers over joining the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. He reportedly signed a three-year $42 million deal to return to his former team after the Milwaukee Bucks ended his stint in the East by waiving and stretching his contract.

Lillard is recovering from an Achilles injury and could be out for most of the next season or the entire year based on his recovery. Several teams circled in on him, but Lillard prioritized a move back to Portland for "the most important" reason. Here's what ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Thursday:

"Being back with his three kids was by far the biggest, most important factor in Damian Lillard deciding to return and re-sign with the Trail Blazers. He was going to spend the year rehabbing his Achilles tear in the Portland area anyways, so returning to the Blazers, even though he requested a trade, just two years ago, was something he deeply cared about."

Lillard got divorced after his trade to Milwuakee in August 2023. He's been living away from his kids since then, with his ex-wife Kay'la Hanson having primary custody. Lillard met them on his trips to Portland and spent majority of his time with them during the offseason.

That led to him declining offers from other teams. Lillard recieved pitches from suitors in the minimum and midlevel exception range. The Trail Blazers offered him the non-taxpayer exception range salary ($14 million annually) and a no-trade clause, which he can exercise to veto a trade he disapproves of. Lillard also has a player option in the final year.

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Damian Lillard might have a lot to play for in Portland than one could imagine

The Portland Trail Blazers could have been the ideal destination for Damian Lillard. Not only is it a heartwarming homecoming story for him, it's also the perfect place for redemption on the court. Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't have the chemistry they hoped for, and it resulted in an underwhelming run for the nine-time All-Star guard.

The Trail Blazers might have the apt roster around a player of Lillard's caliber. They have several versatile defenders like Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Matisse Thybulle and Donovan Clingan. It's a good mix of young and veteran players who could thrive next to Lillard, playing off his gravity.

Portland lacked such balance and depth during Lillard's first stint. If this group clicks, they can surprise many in the West again.