Rip City is losing one of its favorites.

Ed Davis, the Portland Trail Blazers' popular backup center, is signing a 1-year, $4.4 million free agent contract with the Brooklyn Nets, a league source confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive, leaving Portland after a successful three-year stay.

The news was first reported by ESPN.

Davis, whose hustle-infused, blue-collar playing style endeared him to both fans and teammates, quietly evolved into a one of the most important pieces on the Blazers' roster during his time in Portland. He averaged 5.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, when he evolved into perhaps the NBA's best backup center, but his value to the Blazers' success extended far beyond statistics.

In many ways, Davis was the heart and soul of the team, one of its hardest workers -- both during games and behind the scenes -- and a respected figure in the locker room. Davis signed a 3-year, $20 million free agent deal with the Blazers in the summer of 2015, shortly before LaMarcus Aldridge left for the San Antonio Spurs, and his cool and steady demeanor was instrumental in helping the young, rebuilding Blazers navigate a top-to-bottom roster rebuild.

And unlike Aldridge, Davis grew to love Portland. He relished the foodie culture, embraced the passionate fan base and even welcomed his first children -- twin sons -- during his time here.

Last season, when it seemed like Davis could be a trade deadline casualty, he didn't just say he wanted to be here long-term.

"Hopefully I can retire here," Davis told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

And the feeling was mutual.

Damian Lillard, the Blazers' three-time All-Star and team captain, openly lobbied in February for the team to sign Davis to a long-term deal, saying he would "fight" to keep him as a teammate.

"He's super, super important to our team," Lillard told The Oregonian/OregonLive in February. "He's one of those guys that comes into the game, you know he's going to rebound, you know he's going to be the backbone of our defense and help. You know he cares about the team. He's not going out there saying, 'Oh, I've got to have a career year because I'm in a contract year.' He's not one of those guys. He's going to go out there with one goal: do whatever he can to help the team."

It's no wonder that, when the news of Davis' departure broke Saturday night, Lillard tweeted out a broken heart emoji.

It's unclear why the Blazers would let such a popular and important piece of their roster walk -- especially on such a reasonable and short contract -- and the news of Davis' departure was surprising.

In the end, it seems, President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey is betting that restricted free agent Jusuf Nurkic will return to Portland, big man Zach Collins is poised to take on a greater role, Meyers Leonard can finally emerge as a consistent contributor and/or Caleb Swanigan has more to offer amid a roster hamstrung by bloated contracts.

Joe Freeman | jfreeman@oregonian.com | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman