Damian Lillard Returns to Trail Blazers on 3-Year Deal

Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is coming back to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team where he spent most of his career.

Lillard, now 35 years old, has signed a three-year contract worth $42 million to return to Portland, according to NBA reporter Shams Charania. The deal includes a no-trade clause, meaning he cannot be traded without his permission.

Coming Home

Lillard played for the Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2023, becoming one of the team’s most iconic players. He left in 2023 to join the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for two seasons.

After suffering a serious Achilles injury, which will likely keep him out for most of the upcoming season, Lillard is returning to the team—and city—he still calls home.

Bucks Make Cap Space

The Milwaukee Bucks will spread out the rest of Lillard’s contract over five years to free up salary space. This helped them sign Myles Turner to a new four-year, $107 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2028–29 season.

Lillard’s return to Portland marks a special moment for fans, as one of the franchise’s greatest players ends his career where it began.