The child of the torn city has returned home.

I haven't been sleeping well these past few days, waking up several times each night. Last night, around three or four, I woke up and checked my phone, seeing a message that asked, "Where is Lillard going?" I thought to myself, hasn't it been decided yet? By the time I woke up in the morning and saw the news, I opened that message and typed two words: "Going home."

Three years, $42 million, and Lillard's final choice is to go home. To be honest, this choice was a bit unexpected. Although Lillard mentioned in his farewell letter when leaving Portland that he wanted to return here to retire, he doesn't seem to be at the age for retirement just yet. Moreover, he left to compete for a championship, so joining a championship-contending team seems more reasonable.

However, no one underestimated the impact of family on Lillard. In September 2023, he left the Trail Blazers, but he has always been at home in Portland. For two seasons, he has been traveling back and forth between Milwaukee and Portland. Despite this, Lillard has always been lacking in caring for his family.

After Lillard tore his Achilles tendon, he requested to stay in Portland for rehabilitation, but there were differing opinions within the Bucks' management. After they decided to waive Lillard, he felt no disappointment; instead, he was overjoyed. Without losing a dime, he had numerous options. Ultimately, his choice was to end his wandering and return home early.

The Trail Blazers offered their utmost sincerity, presenting a three-year, $42 million contract despite him being out for the entire first season. The final year of the contract includes a player option and a no-trade clause. The Blazers' stance is clear: as long as you wish, you can retire here.

Lillard and Blazers' general manager Cronin also reached a historic reconciliation. Cronin personally visited Lillard's home in Portland for discussions a few weeks ago. Initially, Lillard's departure was quite unpleasant for both sides, but two years was enough time for grievances to dissipate. There was no deliberate buildup; they sat together, and the previous unhappiness vanished.

Leaving in September 2023 and returning in July 2025, a span of 22 months is neither long nor short. The fans in Portland still hold affection and respect for Lillard. While Lillard joining other teams would make their fans happy, that happiness would fade over time. When they urgently need strength, they might even complain about Lillard not being able to play.

However, for the fans in Portland, they can offer Lillard the greatest level of tolerance. Lillard's name appearing on the roster and his presence at home games signifies everything. Lillard can focus on recovery without any external pressure.

I can already envision the huge applause Lillard will receive during the home opener next season for the Trail Blazers. It seems that Lillard's name should be associated with the Blazers and Portland.

For Yang Hensen, I was just thinking the other day that Yao Ming's career began with Francis as a big brother, while the current biggest name on the Blazers is Holiday, which is still lacking. Now that Lillard is back, the combination of Lillard and Holiday is luxurious enough.

Playing alongside a player like Lillard, even in daily life, will undoubtedly benefit Yang Hensen's career. Based on Lillard's previous interactions with the younger players, he will become a great big brother in the locker room.

I still remember the last paragraph of the handwritten letter Lillard wrote when he left Portland: "I believe that one day, I will wear the Trail Blazers jersey again, and I hope that by then, those hearts I have hurt can forgive me."

The fans here have indeed been hurt by him, but time is the best healer. As long as Lillard reappears here, he will still be the darling of the entire city. This isn't a prodigal son returning; it's a child from afar who, after failing to chase his dreams, has returned to the warmest harbor.

Lillard is like a leaf; he sprouted here, grew here, flew away with the wind, and then returned to where it all began. In the end, the child of the torn city has come home.