Damian Lillard is set for a homecoming to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, $42 million contract that includes a player option for the 2027–28 season and a no-trade clause.
Background & Contract Details
- Contract terms: The deal is worth $42 million across three years, with a player option in 2027–28 and a no-trade clause, giving Lillard considerable control over his future.
- Milwaukee release: Lillard was waived by the Bucks earlier this month via the stretch provision, which also cleared roster space for Myles Turner. Milwaukee will continue paying out the remaining $113 million over several years as dead cap.
- Combined earnings: Including the stretched Bucks contract, Lillard stands to earn roughly $70 million in the 2025–26 season and approximately $141 million over the next two years.
Health Status & Role
- Injury update: Lillard is currently recovering from a torn Achilles, suffered late in the Bucks’ 2025 playoff run. He is expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the 2025–26 season.
- Rehab role: During his recovery, he’ll concentrate on rehabilitation while the Blazers integrate other talents into their lineup.
Why Portland?
- Emotional return: Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and franchise’s all-time leading scorer, has expressed a deep longing to return home. Family proximity and unfinished business in Portland were significant factors.
- Team rebuilding: The Blazers have been restructuring since trading Lillard in 2023. Recent acquisitions like Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson aim to support his return.
Impact for Both Teams
- Portland Blazers:
- Gains a veteran leader and franchise icon who can mentor the next generation.
- Likely won’t feature on the court in 2025–26, but his eventual return (post-rehab) boosts team morale and fan engagement.
- Milwaukee Bucks:
- Benefit from financial relief via the stretch provision and setoff rule, reducing their dead-cap liabilities.
- Freed up cap space to strengthen their roster with Myles Turner and others.
What’s Next
With full health restoration as the first priority, Lillard and Portland will proceed cautiously. The three-year structure, including options and no-trade protections, gives both player and team flexibility. For Milwaukee, the move served as both a financial and strategic recalibration.
In summary, Damian Lillard’s return to Portland is more than a nostalgic reunion—it’s a calculated move from both sides. The Blazers regain their star turned mentor during a crucial rebuilding phase, and Lillard himself gets a chance to heal and eventually rekindle “Dame Time” on his own terms. Meanwhile, the Bucks capitalize on the NBA’s financial mechanisms to reposition themselves for future success.
