Damian Lillard Reportedly Finalizing Deal To Return To Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard is returning to nan Portland Trail Blazers. The nine-time NBA All-Star is finalizing a three-year, $42m statement pinch nan franchise wherever he spent nan first 11 seasons of his career, ESPN reported Thursday. The woody includes a subordinate action for nan 2027–28 play and a no-trade clause.

Lillard, who turned 35 this week, was waived by nan Milwaukee Bucks connected 7 July. The squad stretched nan $113m remaining connected his statement to make room for free-agent halfway Myles Turner.

The seasoned defender is expected to miss nan full 2025–26 play aft undergoing room successful May to repair a torn near achilles tendon. He sustained nan wounded connected 27 April successful nan first 4th of nan Bucks’ Game 4 nonaccomplishment to Indiana successful nan first information of nan Eastern Conference playoffs. It was conscionable his 3rd crippled backmost aft missing a period owed to a humor clot successful his correct calf. He besides sat retired nan last 14 games of nan regular season.

Despite receiving liking from playoff contenders offering mid-level and seasoned minimum deals, Lillard chose to return to Portland, wherever his family resides. Talks pinch wide head Joe Cronin and caput coach Chauncey Billups intensified successful caller weeks, pinch each sides aligned connected a reunion. His agent, Aaron Goodwin, is finalizing nan position this week.

Damian Lillard remains Portland’s all-time leader successful points and threes and 2nd successful assists. Photograph: Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Between his stretched Milwaukee net and nan caller Portland contract, Lillard will gain $70m adjacent play and $141m complete nan adjacent 2 years.

Lillard initially requested a waste and acquisition successful 2023 aft nan Trail Blazers began a rebuild. He was dealt to Milwaukee successful a three-team blockbuster that sent Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara to Portland. Holiday was later traded to Boston, past reacquired by nan Blazers this offseason.

With Lillard’s return, nan Blazers now boast a halfway that includes Holiday, Robert Williams III, Scoot Henderson, Camara and a stockpile of early picks and swaps.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds successful 58 regular-season games pinch Milwaukee. He owns profession averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds complete 900 games.

He ranks 4th all-time successful made three-pointers (2,804) and eighth among progressive players successful scoring (22,598 points). In Portland, he remains nan all-time leader successful points and threes and 2nd successful assists. He led nan franchise to 8 playoff appearances, including a tally to nan 2019 Western Conference finals.