UPDATE: Damian Lillard has officially signed a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, marking a significant homecoming just days ago. Lillard, who drove home with his three children after signing the deal, expressed deep emotional ties to Portland, stating, “Just knowing that I’m going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids… my whole family being here.”
The contract includes a no-trade clause and an opt-out option after two seasons, underscoring Lillard’s commitment to the Blazers. He made his first public comments about the deal during a press conference on October 16, 2023, alongside Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin.
Lillard returns to Portland after a tumultuous period that saw him traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the 2023-24 season and sidelined due to a torn left Achilles tendon requiring surgery. This injury is expected to keep him off the court for the entire 2025-26 season, creating urgency around his recovery timeline.
“I think, with age, you get wiser… It’s going to be ultimately what’s best,” Lillard stated, highlighting the importance of taking time to heal properly.
Despite his injury, Lillard’s return is celebrated by Blazers fans, as he remains a beloved figure in the city, known for his remarkable career achievements, including a career-high of 71 points in a single game against the Houston Rockets last season. Lillard ranked 10th in the league in scoring, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists last season.
Lillard’s tenure with the Blazers has seen him achieve numerous accolades, including being a nine-time All-Star and the 2013 Rookie of the Year. He holds franchise records for points with 19,376 and three-pointers with 2,387. His emotional connection to Portland is evident, especially as he reflects on his journey with the team and the support from his community.
A pivotal moment occurred during the drive home with his children, when his daughter learned they no longer had to travel to Milwaukee, encapsulating the joy of his return. “Wait, so, like, we don’t have to get on an airplane to Milwaukee no more?” she asked, highlighting the family aspect of his decision.
As the Blazers look ahead, Lillard’s presence, even off the court, promises to maintain a strong connection with fans and the city. The team is focused on developing young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, while Lillard aims to influence the team positively during his recovery.
While Lillard’s return to active play remains uncertain, the sentiment surrounding his signing is overwhelmingly positive, setting the stage for his future contributions to the Trail Blazers and the broader Portland community. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Lillard embarks on this new chapter of his career.