Damian Lillard is set to return to the Portland Trail Blazers after securing a three-year, $42 million contract with the team, joining his existing earnings from the Milwaukee Bucks to total $70 million during the 2025-26 season. This arrangement allows Lillard to focus on rehabbing his Achilles injury while remaining financially supported before making his comeback in Portland.
Lillard was traded to Milwaukee before the 2023-24 season, ending an 11-year tenure with the Trail Blazers. The Bucks had hoped that pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo would lead to a championship, but the team was eliminated in the first round during both playoff appearances they made with the duo. When Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in the 2025 playoff first round versus the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee quickly waived him and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.
Under the new deal finalized with Portland, Lillard’s combined salary for 2025-26 will reach $70 million, drawing from both his Bucks and Trail Blazers contracts.
Contract Details and Reactions to Lillard’s Return
Insider Shams Charania shared on social media that
“Lillard now will have a 2025-26 set salary of $70M between his Portland and Milwaukee deals, and a salary of $141M over the next two years ahead of an opt-out in 2027. Blazers officials and Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management are finalizing terms this week.”
— Shams Charania, NBA insider
The reaction among Portland’s fanbase and analysts has been mixed. While many recall Lillard fondly and welcome his return with nostalgia, some fans remain wary due to his previous request for a trade in search of new opportunities. Despite this division, several teammates have expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside him again, highlighting the anticipation within the team.
Lillard’s contract with Portland takes into account the risks related to his injury and potential limits in returning to his prior form. However, even a partial return to his elite performance level would greatly benefit the Trail Blazers. Having a star player locked into an affordable deal could provide Portland with important financial flexibility to retain and develop its emerging talents once their rookie contracts conclude. This strategic balance could help position the team as a future contender in the league.
Lillard’s Legacy and His Road Ahead
The Trail Blazers originally selected Damian Lillard with the sixth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. Over his 13 seasons in the league, the likely future Hall of Famer has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists per game, while shooting 43.9% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. His impact on Portland’s franchise and the NBA at large has been significant, earning nine All-Star selections during his career.
As Lillard continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, this $70 million deal underscores the confidence both Milwaukee and Portland maintain in his abilities, despite the uncertainty of his physical recovery. The upcoming seasons will determine how the Trail Blazers capitalize on his return and whether Lillard can reclaim the dominance that made him a cornerstone of their team for over a decade.