We all thought the same thing when Damian Lillard agreed to return to the Portland Trail Blazers: "Oh, what a nice story!" And, yes, it certainly is a nice story. Lillard took his shot at trying to contend for a championship elsewhere,

This was no more an embrace of Joe Cronin by Damian Lillard in his return to Portland than it was an embrace of Dan Gilbert by LeBron James in his return to Cleveland. In each case, the player wanted the city,

After getting waived by the Bucks, Damian Lillard shocked the NBA world by returning to Portland and Patrick Beverley loves the move.

Let's get to it as we roll into the weekend. T.J. WATT After months of speculation about his future, T.J. Watt is staying in the Steel City, and he's getting paid very handsomely to do so. Watt has signed a three-year,

Before requesting a trade two years ago, Lillard swore he was loyal to Portland. With decision to return as a surprise free agent, he backed that up.

LeBron James became the only player in the NBA with a no-trade clause on Wednesday when the Phoenix Suns bought out Bradley Beal's contract.