In a move driven by legacy and loyalty, Damian Lillard is officially returning to the Portland Trail Blazers. The star guard has signed a three year, $42 million USD contract to come back to the franchise where he became an icon. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season and a full no trade clause, marks a heartfelt reunion after his high profile trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023.
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The decision is clearly more personal than financial for the 35 year old star, who took a significant pay cut from his previous max contract. Lillard is currently recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon suffered during the Bucks’ playoff run in April and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming NBA season. However, Portland’s front office sees immense value in his return, emphasizing his leadership and mentorship for the team’s young core as a crucial intangible asset.
“I do believe a day will come where I put a Blazers uniform on again, and hopefully by then, I’ll be forgiven for breaking your hearts along with my own.”
According to reports, talks between Lillard and the Blazers took place over several months. General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups were instrumental in pushing for the reunion, with the shared goal of allowing the franchise’s all time leading scorer to retire in Rip City.
The move was made possible after the Bucks waived and stretched Lillard’s contract earlier this month, a decision that created cap space for Milwaukee to sign new players. While the superstar pairing of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo did not result in a championship, their brief chapter ended on good terms, paving the way for Dame’s celebrated homecoming.
