Damian Lillard Finalizes Deal to Return to Portland Trail Blazers
In a surprising turn of events, nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is set to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Just weeks after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard has finalized a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the team where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. The deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause, solidifying Lillard's commitment to finishing his career in Rip City.
Lillard Confirms Return with Emotional Social Media Post
Lillard himself confirmed the news with an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a video of the Trail Blazers' locker room culminating in a locker bearing his name and the words "Together Again." The post was captioned "RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers," signaling his excitement about returning to Portland.
Bucks' Waiver and Subsequent Cap Flexibility
The path for Lillard's return was paved when the Milwaukee Bucks waived him earlier in July. The Bucks stretched the remaining $113 million on his previous contract over five seasons to create cap space. This move enabled Milwaukee to sign center Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract, along with other players like Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, after an injury-plagued season and early playoff exit for Lillard.
Reunion Talks and Relationship Reconciliation
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, Lillard reportedly held multiple meetings with Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups. These discussions aimed to smooth out any lingering issues from Lillard's trade request two years prior and to align visions for his role within the team moving forward.
Key Dates in Lillard's NBA Journey
Lillard's career has been marked by several significant milestones. He was drafted 6th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft and quickly became the face of the franchise. In September 2023, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in pursuit of a championship. However, his time in Milwaukee was cut short when he tore his left Achilles tendon in April 2025 during a first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, requiring surgery and sidelining him for an extended period.
Lillard's Expected Absence and Impact on the Team
Due to the severity of the Achilles injury, Lillard is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. While his on-court contributions will be limited in the near future, the Trail Blazers view his return as a strategic move to bring in his leadership, mentorship for the young players and the enduring connection with the fanbase, rather than an immediate on-court impact.
Stakeholders React to Lillard's Return
Lillard's return has sparked various reactions within the NBA community. Giannis Antetokounmpo, his former teammate on the Bucks, subtly expressed support for Lillard's decision on social media. The NBA community continues to discuss player loyalty, team-building strategies, and the impact of injuries on veteran careers.
Financial Breakdown of Lillard's Contracts
Despite the lower annual value of his new contract with the Trail Blazers, Lillard is set to earn a substantial amount in the coming years. Thanks to the Bucks stretching his previous contract, Lillard will receive a combined salary of $70 million in 2025-26 and a total of $141 million over the next two years before his player option in 2027, as reported by Shams Charania.
Stats and Statements Surrounding the Deal
Prior to his injury with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists during the 2024-25 season, earning his ninth All-Star selection. Lillard's agent, Aaron Goodwin, stated prior to the deal that this was an opportunity for Damian to stay home, continue his rehabilitation, and decide where he wants to play next, while still being paid his entire contract.
Controversy and Public Reaction
Lillard's initial departure from Portland after many years led some to question his loyalty. While his return has been met with excitement by many fans, it has also sparked debate among analysts and fans about the team's direction, especially considering his age (35) and recent Achilles injury. Some critics are questioning how Lillard's presence, even while sidelined, will impact the development and playing time of younger guards like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. There are also concerns about the financial implications, given Lillard's combined salary from both the Blazers and Bucks. However, many fans and media outlets are framing this as a storybook ending or homecoming for a beloved franchise legend, despite the unconventional path.
