9-time All-Star Damian Lillard is ready to make a return to the Portland Path Blazers on a three-year, $42 million contract. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report.
Lillard is predicted to have a participant choice in 2027-28 in addition to a no-trade clause. He was stretched and waived by the Milwaukee Bucks a few weeks in the past, opening the door to signal with any crew as a free agent.
There was loads of hypothesis Lillard would search for a contender. He reportedly had a number of mid-level exception and minimal contract affords from groups of that caliber. As an alternative, Lillard has opted to return to the crew that drafted him and the place he skilled his greatest years as a professional.
Between the Bucks and Blazers, Lillard is ready to earn $70 million in 2025-26 and $71 million in 2026-27. He isn’t anticipated to play subsequent season and focus solely on rehabbing a ruptured Achilles tendon.
After 11 particular years in Portland, Lillard was traded by the Blazers, together with Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson, in a three-team deal involving the Bucks and Phoenix Suns. Jrue Vacation, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round choose and two first-round choose swaps in 2028 and 2030 have been despatched to the Blazers.
Now, Vacation and Lillard are on the identical crew whereas Ayton has moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lillard Placing Championship Aspirations Apart?
When Lillard initially left Portland, it was with a view to pursue a greater shot at a championship. His Bucks tenure didn’t pan out as he imagined. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard each suffered accidents that derailed playoff hopes every of the final two seasons.
Antetokounmpo missed the playoffs in 2024 whereas Lillard missed nearly the entire first spherical in 2025.
On the coronary heart of this return is a need to be near his household.
Portland has constructed a stable core of younger gamers together with Camara, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan and the not too long ago drafted Yang Hansen. Shaedon Sharpe has additionally proven spectacular scoring potential and Scoot Henderson took a notable step ahead final season.
Lillard and Vacation might be nice for the roster from a management perspective. Lillard is among the best gamers in franchise historical past and can undoubtedly have the ear of the younger gamers.
Contemplating the short-term nature of the contract, there’s little threat concerned on the Blazers’ facet for an iconic participant.
Lillard is the franchise chief in whole factors, 3-pointers and assists.
