Damian Lillard-Blazers contract details: Inside his $42 million move to Portland

By Admin

18 Jul, 2025

A Legendary Homecoming

In a move that has captivated NBA fans and stirred nostalgia across the Pacific Northwest, Damian Lillard is officially making his return to the Portland Trail Blazers. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in early July, the nine-time NBA All-Star is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the franchise where he became a basketball icon. The deal, first reported by ESPN, includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a rare no-trade clause, ensuring Lillard retains full control over his NBA future.

Contract Breakdown: A New Chapter at a New Price

Lillard’s new contract represents a dramatic shift from his previous terms with the Bucks, where he was earning a league-high $63 million per year. Now, at $14 million annually, his new Portland deal is financially modest but symbolically rich. The inclusion of a no-trade clause and player option shows mutual respect and trust between the player and the team’s front office. The 35-year-old reportedly held multiple meetings with Blazers GM Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups, signaling alignment on both sides about the vision ahead.

Why Portland, and Why Now?

While Lillard’s return to Portland is emotionally compelling, it also makes practical sense. His Achilles tear during Game 4 of the Bucks' playoff series against the Pacers in April 2025 means he will be out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season. Returning to the city he once called home allows Lillard to focus on rehabilitation in a familiar environment. As his agent, Aaron Goodwin, put it:
“This is an opportunity for Damian to stay home to continue his rehabilitation, take time to decide where he wants to play next, while still being paid his entire contract.”

A Storied Career Returns to Its Roots

Damian Lillard’s legacy in Portland is etched in the franchise's history books. Over 13 NBA seasons with Portland and Milwaukee, he has averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 900 regular-season games. In Portland alone, he led the team to eight playoff appearances, highlighted by a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2019. He holds franchise records in both total points and 3-pointers made.

Looking Ahead

Though he won’t immediately return to the hardwood, Lillard’s signing signals something bigger: the enduring bond between a player and a city that embraced him from day one. For Portland fans, the homecoming of "Dame Time" is not just about stats or salary it's about legacy, leadership, and love for the game. As both Lillard and the Trail Blazers gear up for the future, this deal lays the foundation for one of the most heartfelt comebacks in NBA history.