PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Damian Lillard is set to make a triumphant return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN reported that the three-year contract was valued at $42 million.
The nine-time All-Star will be reintroduced at an event scheduled for Monday, July 21 at the Moda Center’s Rose Room.
Lillard, 35, was originally drafted by the Trail Blazers as the sixth pick in the 2012 NBA draft and spent 11 seasons with the team before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the 2023-24 season.
However, his return to the court may be delayed as he recovers from a torn left Achilles tendon sustained during a playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The injury required surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 season.
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Despite the setback, Lillard remains optimistic about his return to Portland. He confirmed the deal by posting a video on Instagram featuring the Trail Blazers’ locker room, ending with a frame of a locker labeled with his name and the words “Together Again.” He also wrote, “RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!”
Two days later on Saturday, he posted on Instagram, again, this time with the caption: “Officially Official and all was well in both of my worlds.”
Lillard’s career with the Trail Blazers was marked by impressive achievements, including becoming the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game.
He holds Portland records for points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387). During his final season in Portland, he averaged 32.2 points per game.
Although Portland won only four playoff series during Lillard’s tenure, he was beloved by fans and maintained there were no hard feelings over his departure.
He had left to pursue a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while Portland focused on developing young talent.
Lillard’s return to the Trail Blazers is a significant moment for the franchise, as he holds a special place in the team’s history.
Trail Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin and Head Coach Chauncey Billups will join Lillard for the reintroduction event.
KATU’s sports reporter Tyree Smith will be at the event tonight at 6:00 p.m., tune in to watch along.