Damian Lillard Reaches a 3-year $42M Deal To Return To Trail Blazers
All a part of the plan? He was theirs, then gone; yet is now coming back home. Damian Lillard reaches a 3-year $42M deal to return to the Trail Blazers. The deal includes a no-trade clause.
Yes, it has been a wild story to watch all unfold. But truth be told, there’s just something about seeing Dame back with Portland that just feels right. There’s a lot of history there between the two; including one of the most epic buzzer-beaters of the modern era. Nonetheless, Damien himself helped confirm the news of his return home for NBA fans by posting a video via social media.
The visuals showed a camera angle panning the Trail Blazers locker room. Passing by names on all the lockers until finally we see “Damien Lillard” with a Lillard jersey hanging up; and with “Rip City Runs Deep” wording displayed. Perfection. The announcement video ends with the phrase, “Together Again.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania spoke about Lillard’s triumphant return to the Trail Blazers. And how this has truly gone “full circle.” Charania explains,
“BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old.
Lillard now will have a 2025-26 set salary of $70M between his Portland and Milwaukee deals, and a salary of $141M over the next two years ahead of an opt-out in 2027. Blazers officials and Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management are finalizing terms this week. [Lillard] also had multiple mid-level exception and minimum offers from NBA contenders.
Lillard and the Trail Blazers both deeply cared about the comeback in recent weeks – with multiple meetings among the Portland franchise icon, general manager Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups to bond together and move forward united on a new deal.
Portland traded Damian Lillard for Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, assets in 2023 – then Holiday to Boston for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, assets (one led to Deni Avdija).
Now, Blazers have Lillard and Holiday, plus Avdija, Williams, Camara, a 2029 first, two MIL swaps.”
Damian Lillard Reaches a 3-year $42M Deal To Return To Trail Blazers
Portland definitely played the long game. But this is a very happy reunion. However, what about Damien and his injuries? Last season, he dealt with clots, rushed back for the playoffs; but ultimately succumbed to a torn Achilles tendon to end his season.
Well, sources reveal that Lillard will use the 2025-2026 season to rehabilitate the torn Achilles tendon. With plans to get going after recovery. But the big story right now is that Dame Dolla is back. Lillard’s return to the franchise and Portland where his family and kids reside were of the ultimate importance. Glad to see everything work out for a great player.
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