In a stunning turn of events that has sent ripples through the NBA, nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. This unexpected reunion marks a full-circle moment for the beloved franchise icon, who spent the first 11 seasons of his illustrious career in Portland before a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The agreement, which is expected to include a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause, comes after Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month. The Bucks’ decision to stretch the remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract was a strategic move to facilitate the signing of free agent center Myles Turner, as reported by ESPN. For Lillard, this means his 2025-26 salary will be a substantial $70 million, combining his new deal with the stretched money from Milwaukee, totaling $141 million over the next two years before his 2027 opt-out.
Lillard’s return to the Pacific Northwest was reportedly driven by a deep personal desire to be back in Portland, where his family and children reside. Sources close to the situation indicated that multiple meetings between Lillard, Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin, and Head Coach Chauncey Billups were instrumental in forging a united path forward. Despite receiving multiple mid-level exception and minimum offers from other NBA contenders, Lillard prioritized his connection to the city and the franchise.
The 35-year-old point guard is currently recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, an injury he sustained in late April during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. He underwent surgery in early May, and the 2025-26 season is expected to be dedicated to his rehabilitation. His return to the court will undoubtedly be a closely watched storyline.
This reunion is particularly intriguing given the circumstances of Lillard’s departure in 2023. Portland had traded Lillard to the Bucks in a three-team deal that brought Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and various assets to the Blazers. Subsequently, Portland flipped Holiday to the Boston Celtics for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and additional assets, one of which eventually led to the acquisition of Deni Avdija. With Lillard’s return, the Trail Blazers now possess a unique collection of talent, including Lillard, Holiday (reacquired from the Celtics this offseason), Avdija, Williams, Camara, a 2029 first-round pick, and two Bucks pick swaps, setting the stage for a potentially formidable roster.
Lillard’s legacy in Portland is already etched in franchise history. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, earning seven All-Star selections and seven All-NBA team honors. He led the team to the playoffs eight times, including a memorable Western Conference Finals appearance in 2018-19. Lillard holds the franchise record for points (19,376) and three-pointers made (2,387), and ranks second in assists (5,151). Notably, he is the only player in Trail Blazers history to record seven 55-point games (regular season and playoffs combined), a testament to his scoring prowess, as detailed by ESPN and Basketball-Reference.com.
His brief tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, though marked by an NBA Cup championship in 2024 and an All-Star Game MVP award, was ultimately cut short by injuries, including deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and the recent Achilles tear. Despite these setbacks, Lillard’s career statistics remain impressive, with averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game over 900 career games, according to NBA.com. His 2024-25 season saw him average 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 58 games before his season-ending injury.
As Damian Lillard embarks on this new chapter, his rehabilitation will be paramount. His return to the Trail Blazers is more than just a roster move; it’s a narrative of loyalty, resilience, and the enduring bond between a player and the city he calls home. The basketball world will be watching to see how ‘Dame Time’ unfolds in Portland once again.
