The NBA offseason has unfolded with unexpected developments, including the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard after his Achilles injury in the playoffs. This rare move, intended to create salary cap space for Myles Turner, led Lillard to re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, prioritizing proximity to his family. Despite being a nine-time NBA All-Star and a member of the league’s 75th Anniversary Team, Lillard’s career still lacks a championship ring, sparking debate about his legacy.
Dwyane Wade Champions Lillard’s Career Beyond Championships
Former Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade has openly addressed the criticism surrounding Lillard’s championship drought. Wade emphasized on his podcast that Lillard’s legacy transcends the absence of an NBA Finals trophy.
“Dame’s legacy in the NBA will be way bigger than a championship,”
Wade said. He underscored that a player’s impact isn’t solely defined by titles, stressing,
“But that doesn’t mean that every player that comes through that is great at this game has to walk away with a championship for their legacy to be stamped. So Dame to me is one of those players that if he doesn’t sniff a championship, it doesn’t change the fact that Dame is a bad mother fâer.”
Notable Achievements and Current Role Within the Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard’s individual accomplishments are remarkable, featuring nine All-Star nods and seven All-NBA selections. He is widely recognized for his clutch performances and some of the most unforgettable buzzer-beaters in NBA history. The decision to return to Portland, a franchise currently in a rebuilding phase, reveals Lillard’s intention to balance family priorities with his ongoing professional role. With Lillard sidelined for the upcoming season due to injury, he is anticipated to take on a mentorship role for Portland’s promising young guards, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
Alongside fellow veteran and NBA champion Jrue Holiday, Lillard represents a significant leadership presence among the team’s core players, offering guidance and experience to help develop the Trail Blazers’ future talent.
Lillard’s New Contract and Future Prospects
Sources report that Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract with Portland, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause. This agreement marks a homecoming for the 35-year-old guard, who has expressed a desire to remain close to family. Although the impending recovery timeline means he will miss the entire next season and return at an older age, Lillard’s focus now shifts toward mentoring and supporting the team’s rebuilding process.
This year he’s gonna be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history. Imma be putting him to work everyday.” —Chauncey Billups, former player
“Dame’s legacy in the NBA will be way bigger than a championship.” —Dwyane Wade, former NBA player
“But that doesn’t mean that every player that comes through that is great at this game has to walk away with a championship for their legacy to be stamped. So Dame to me is one of those players that if he doesn’t sniff a championship, it doesn’t change the fact that Dame is a bad mother fâer,” —Dwyane Wade, former NBA player
BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old. —Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Potential Impact on Trail Blazers’ Future
Lillard’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Portland’s young roster. His mentorship, combined with the skills of rising stars Henderson and Sharpe and the veteran presence of Holiday, gives the Trail Blazers a balanced mix of youth and experience. While Lillard may no longer be in his prime competitive years due to injury, his influence extends beyond personal accolades.
As the team navigates a rebuilding phase, Lillard’s return symbolizes hope and determination for both fans and players. His legacy may ultimately be defined not only by his on-court heroics but also by his contribution to developing the next generation of Trail Blazers talent.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Damian Lillard get a blood clot?
A. Lillard’s speedy comeback is impressive, but it brings up important concerns about why blood clots develop and how to stop them. Blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually form when someone stays still for too long. This can happen when sitting during travel or lying in bed for extended periods, as it slows blood circulation.