Damian Lillard’s return to Portland was a moment filled with emotions, sealed by the signing of a contract that links him again to the Trail Blazers. The news arrived while Lillard, accompanied by his children, was returning home after formalizing the agreement. The contract, for three years and $42 million, includes a no-trade clause and an option for Lillard to terminate it after two seasons. This agreement represents much more than a simple return to the team; it’s a return home, to his roots and to the daily life that Lillard values deeply.
Lillard shared his first impressions of the deal at a press conference alongside Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin. Before this return, Lillard played eleven seasons in Portland, later being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. During his time in Portland, Lillard became an icon, recognized for his iconic gesture of pointing to his wrist, the “Dame Time”, after scoring important shots. However, his return to the court at the Moda Center will have to wait. Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, requiring surgery that will likely keep him out of the 2025-26 season. The Bucks released him earlier this month, distributing the remaining $113 million of his contract over five years. I told him that this year he will be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history because I will have him working every day. Although Lillard does not rule out playing again in the 2025-26 season, the team has made it clear that they will wait the necessary time for his recovery.Just knowing that I’m going to be back home for all facets of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets I’ve been on for practically all of my adult life, with all my family here, my mother, my brother, my sisters, all my friends in the city of Portland.
Damian Lillard
In the previous season, Lillard proved his worth by ranking among the top ten scorers and assist providers in the league, despite the physical limitations that kept him out of 58 games. In the 2022-23 season, his last year in Portland before the trade, he averaged 32.2 points, becoming the seventh player in NBA history to surpass 70 points in a game. During Lillard’s time in Portland, the team managed to reach the Western Conference Finals on one occasion. Lillard always maintained a respectful stance towards the Blazers, seeking a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks, while Portland focused on the development of young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. During an event at Adidas headquarters in 2024, Lillard hinted at his possible return to the Blazers. The injury accelerated the process. Selected at the number 6 spot in the 2012 draft by Portland, Lillard holds franchise records in points and three-pointers. Throughout his career, he averages 25.1 points and 6.7 assists. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2013 and was included in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. In addition, he won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lillard recounted that his children finally understood the meaning of his return home during the journey. His daughter’s reaction upon learning that they would no longer have to travel to Milwaukee was an emotional moment that sealed Lillard’s return to Portland.My pride would think differently, but I think with age, one becomes wiser. As Joe said, it will ultimately be the best, I think, to take all the time possible to make sure I’m okay, that’s what I’ll do.
Damian Lillard
