Damian Lillard Returns to Portland Trail Blazers in $42M Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Damian Lillard is officially returning to the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million contract, per AP sources. Though recovering from an Achilles injury, the veteran guard aims to close out his career where it began. Lillard shared the emotional announcement via Instagram, signaling his return to “Rip City.”
Damian Lillard + Trail Blazers Reunion Quick Looks
- Contract Details: 3-year, $42 million deal to rejoin Portland
- Injury Status: Recovering from Achilles surgery, may miss 2025–26 season
- Release History: Waived by Bucks after Achilles tear and deep vein thrombosis
- Performance Last Season: Averaged 24.9 PPG, 7.1 APG in 58 games
- All-Star Resume: 9-time All-Star, NBA 75th Anniversary Team member
- Instagram Reveal: Shared locker room video with caption: “RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!”
- Franchise Records: Leads Blazers in total points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387)
- Career Highlights: 71-point game vs. Rockets, Olympic gold medalist, 2013 Rookie of the Year
- Team Fit: Veteran presence alongside Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe
- Brand Deal: Signature Adidas shoe deal; hinted at Portland return in 2024
Damian Lillard Returns to Portland Trail Blazers in $42M Deal
Deep Look
PORTLAND, Ore. — July 18, 2025 — Damian Lillard, one of the most iconic players in Trail Blazers history, is coming back to Portland. According to a source familiar with the agreement, Lillard has signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the franchise where he first made his name. The deal, not yet officially announced, was initially reported by ESPN.
At 35 years old, Lillard returns to a city that embraced him as a basketball hero, even as his recent career has been marked by injuries and transitions.
After spending 11 seasons in Portland, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 in a high-profile deal meant to form a championship-contending duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Lillard’s postseason run was cut short by a devastating Achilles tendon tear during the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Surgery followed, and the injury could sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season.
Following the injury, Milwaukee waived Lillard earlier this month, opting to stretch the remaining $113 million on his previous contract across five years.
Back in Rip City
Despite the physical setbacks, Lillard confirmed his Portland homecoming with a heartfelt Instagram post showing the Trail Blazers locker room, ending with a zoomed-in shot of a locker labeled “Lillard.” He captioned it with: “RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!”
This return marks more than a basketball move—it’s a rekindling of a long-standing connection with Portland fans who’ve supported Lillard through highs and lows, from buzzer-beating playoff wins to injury-laden seasons.
Before his exit in 2023, Lillard averaged 32.2 points in his final full season with the Blazers and made history by dropping 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets. He holds franchise records in career points (19,376) and 3-pointers made (2,387). He’s the only Trail Blazer to score 70 or more in a single game.
Health & Role Uncertainty
Though his return is emotionally charged, Lillard may not see game action in the 2025–26 season due to ongoing rehab from his Achilles injury. This follows a season plagued not only by the Achilles tear but also deep vein thrombosis, limiting him to just 58 games.
Still, he managed to rank 10th in the league in both scoring and assists, demonstrating that he remains a potent force when healthy.
Legacy & Leadership
Throughout his career, Lillard has been a model of loyalty, famously resisting trade rumors for years before finally leaving to chase a ring. Despite that departure, he always spoke highly of the Trail Blazers organization, the city of Portland, and the fans.
He returns to a team in transition, led by young stars Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and his presence will undoubtedly bring leadership, mentorship, and perhaps—eventually—a powerful on-court comeback.
- 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 9× NBA All-Star
- Member of NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team (2021)
- Gold Medalist at the Tokyo Olympics
- Signature Adidas athlete
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