On Saturday, the Portland Trail Blazers made it official when they announced the return of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the deal is for three years and worth $42 million.
Despite the setback of a ruptured Achilles tendon in April, the 35-year-old Lillard, a veteran of 13 years, is making a triumphant return to Portland. This is where he spent the first 11 seasons of his NBA career before a brief stint with the Bucks in 2023.
In July, the Milwaukee Bucks released Lillard using the stretch provision, which allowed the Bucks to get out of the final two years of Lillard’s contract. The Bucks will pay Lillard $112.5 million over the next five years.
Lillard was an All-Star during each of his two seasons in Milwaukee, appearing in 131 games and averaging 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 35.7 minutes per game.
Originally selected No. 6 overall by the Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Weber State product has left an indelible mark on the league. Over his 11 seasons in Portland, he appeared in 769 regular-season games, posting staggering averages of 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 36.3 minutes per game. In addition, Lillard was a seven-time NBA All-Star, an All-NBA First Team (2018), Second Team (2021, 2020, 2019, 2016), and Third Team (2023, 2014) selection, and a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Among all-time franchise leaders, Lillard ranks first in points (19,376), points per game (25.2), 3-pointers made (2,387), free throws made (4,427) and free throw percentage (89.5%), second in field goals made (6,281) and assists (5,151), third in games played (769) and minutes per game (36.3), fourth in assists per game (6.7), and sixth in triple-doubles (3 – tied) and steals (732).
Lillard’s return to Portland is not just a homecoming, but a chance to end his career where it all started. This move also brings him closer to his family, a factor that can be just as important as winning a championship.
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