Damian Lillard Pens Heartfelt Farewell To Portland: 'This Isn't A Goodbye'

With all the hype around Damian Lillard being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks, NBA fans have been sharing their thoughts and excitement about the change and upcoming season.

On Thursday, Lillard chimed in on the trade with a heartfelt "see you later" post on Instagram thanking fans and key people in his career.

After 11 years as a Portland Trail Blazer, Lillard had a lot to share in his goodbye letter to the city and the fans, as well as some important people he's met along the way.

"Dear Rip City, I want to start off by saying this isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later," he began. "My words have always been from the heart when it comes to you Rip City. I consider you my home as well as many of my family members and that won't change. I've built my entire adulthood here and made so many friends that I will never forget."

He continued to say that his amazing time on the court has nothing on the experience he's had with the fans.

"The way you embraced me from day one gave me no choice but to reciprocate the love a thousand times and I don't regret it one bit," he continued. "I must admit that it does make me sad to see some people crossover and appear as my opposition in the wake of me asking to be traded without knowing the facts because I am truly one of you."

His next Instagram slide explained that he expected to stay with the Trail Blazers until it was time for retirement.

The NBA star then thanked some key people he's met throughout his career in Portland.

"All my teammates of the past, you guys know who I am truly," he wrote. "Publicly and privately it's the same and I take solace in that fact. I love you guys."

Lillard also thanked the coaches, local media, and many other people who made a difference in his time in Portland.

"As this chapter of my life ends, I look back and realize how special it was. Even in this moment I feel sad that we never accomplished what I so badly wanted to. I don't cry much, but I know my love for you is real because I am for sure dropping some tears right now," he continued. "Rip City you know my heart and where I stand because I've stood there for over a decade so to have to move off my square hurts my heart."

He concluded his emotionally touching goodbye with the possibility of becoming a Trail Blazer once again in the future.

"I do believe a day will come where I put a Blazers uniform on again, and hopefully by then I'll be forgiving for breaking your hearts along with my own," he wrote.

Lillard captioned his carousel of photos sharing his goodbye, "Rip City Forever … Game Time has run out," and many fans dropped into the comment section to leave their well wishes and thoughts.

Many fans had well wishes to share for the NBA star. Some welcomed Lillard to Milwaukee, and tons of others shared their support for the change.

"The Goat. Go and get yours. You deserve the best. This P-Town Rip City Original gots your back," one fan wrote. Another added, "Thank you for always being your true, authentic self on and off the court. One of a kind player and an even better person. Can’t wait to have you back!"

Another fan spelled it out saying, "The real blazer fans are happy this man going to a contender and getting the recognition he deserves. Go get that chip."

Many fans expressed how they totally understand the move and only wish him well. Others said they'll be cheering him on no matter where he goes.

"It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later. Dame, your time here is much appreciated! In a time of arrogance and empty words, you stayed humble and true to yours. You’ve been a solid role model and a big community supporter. You lit up Rip City as well as the NBA!" one fan wrote. "Go get that ring. We’ll be cheering for you wherever you are! Count on it!"