Damian Lillard is set to don the Portland Trail Blazers' jersey once again, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The guard, who recently celebrated his 35th birthday, is reportedly coming back to the team on a three-year contract worth $42 million, with a player option for the 2027-28 season, along with a no-trade clause. This announcement comes almost two years after Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, an agreement that saw Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara move to Portland. Lillard's return is charged with significance for Trail Blazers fans, considering his deep community ties and the legacy he's built as the franchise's all-time leading scorer.
Not one to shy away from adversity, Lillard has chosen to return to Portland despite having to sit out the entire 2025-26 season to recover from surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon sustained during the Eastern Conference playoffs earlier this year. As reported by The Guardian, the injury was a significant setback for Lillard, who, after a trade request in 2023, had shown solid performance with the Bucks, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 regular-season games.
Charania tweeted that Lillard's decision to return to the Trail Blazers was partly due to wanting to be closer to his family, who reside in Portland. Charania also noted, "A storybook reunion home," highlighting the fairytale-like full circle of Lillard's career. Further details from his report, covered by KGW, include Lillard's celebration of the news on social media, where he expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining his old team with a hearty "RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!" and shared a locker room video ending with the words "Together Again," and his signature.
Lillard's agent, Aaron Goodwin, is finalizing the terms of the new contract this week, according to The Guardian. With Lillard's return and previously traded Holiday back in the mix, Portland's roster is starting to look familiar and formidable once again. Over his 900-game career, Lillard has racked up an impressive list of accolades that include sizeable all-time rankings in three-pointers and scoring. Lillard's influence stretches far beyond the hardwood, with his community programs and numerous charitable acts that have made him a beloved figure in Portland.
Meanwhile, ESPN sources cited by KTVZ touched on Lillard's profound connection with the Blazers' fans and how his off-the-court philanthropic efforts have solidified his status not just as a player but as a community leader. Despite receiving offers from other NBA contenders, Lillard elected to return to his roots. Surely, fans are eager to see "Dame Time" back in action at the Moda Center, even if they have to wait a season for his complete recovery.
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