Damian Lillard officially returns to Portland Trail BlazersThe veteran signed a three-year, $42 million contract, marking his return to the franchise where he built his NBA career for over a decade.
After a troubled season with the Milwaukee Bucks, which ended with a serious Achilles tendon injury and the resulting waiver despite two years remaining on his contract, Lillard chose Portland as his free agent destination. This decision was also driven by the desire to be closer to his family, who still live in Oregon.
On a technical level, its inclusion will have to be evaluated: Blazers have found a new identity without him in the second half of last season, thanks also to the additions resulting from the exchange that involved him, as Toumani Camara e Deni avdija.
The roster now also includes Jrue Holiday, returned through a new exchange involving Anfernee simons, and continues to be enriched by young talent and future draft picks received from Milwaukee. However, due to the timing of the injury (late April), it’s unlikely Lillard will be able to make a significant contribution before March 2026.
The real goal of this operation is to have Lillard in shape for the 2026-27 season, in which it could be worth much more than the 14 million agreed upon for that year. In addition, Lillard got a no-trade clause, becoming together with LeBron James the only player currently in the NBA with such contractual protection.
Portland will then be able to better evaluate the development of Scott Henderson, the residual effectiveness of Holiday and the contractual situation of Shaedon Sharpe, who could become a restricted free agent next summer.
The agreement, therefore, is not just a emotional return for the fans, but also a strategic move that offers wage flexibility and future prospects to the Blazers.
GRADE B+