5.) Damian Lillard — Portland Trail Blazers
Left team: Trail Blazers (2023) —- Milwaukee Bucks
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Returned: 2025
Impact: Lillard was traded after playing 11 seasons in Portland, yet his departure to Milwaukee only lasted two seasons. That is, upon being released by the Bucks, Lillard recently decided to return to the Blazers on a three-year/$45 million deal.
Breaking: Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42M contract to return to the Blazers, per @ShamsCharania
A reunion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UBMlAcCqzr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 17, 2025
4.) Dwight Howard - Los Angeles Lakers
Left team: Lakers (2013) —- Houston Rockets —- Atlanta Hawks —- Charlotte Hornets —- Washington Wizards
Returned: 2019
Impact: The 8x All-Star returned to Los Angeles seven years after playing for the Lakers in the 2012-2013 season. Alongside LeBron James, helped contribute to a 2020 NBA Championship.
3.) Kevin Garnett - Minnesota Timberwolves
Left team: Timberwolves (2007) —- Boston Celtics —- Brooklyn Nets
Returned: 2015
Impact: The Minnesota fanbase welcomed back Garnett with open arms as his return to the city culminated a highly-esteemed career. Despite being well past his prime, Garnett was a mentor to the young players and helped bring back the gritty identity from his playing days in the late 90's and early 2000's.
2.) Dwyane Wade - Miami Heat
Left team: Heat (2016) —- Chicago Bulls —- Cleveland Cavaliers
Returned: 2018
Impact: After brief stints in Chicago and Cleveland, Wade came back to Miami midway through the 2017-18 season. Notably, he had many clutch moments down the stretch during his 2018-19 farewell tour year. Needless to say, D-Wade solidified himself as the biggest legend in franchise history.
1.) LeBron James - Cleveland Cavaliers
Left team: Cavaliers (2010) —- Miami Heat
Returned: 2014
Impact: After leaving his hometown following the 2010 season, "The Chosen One" returned four years later to lead the Cavs to four straight Finals (2015-2018). Overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the 2016 Finals, LeBron and company claimed victory, helping end the city of Cleveland's 52-year major sports championship drought.
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