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Damian Lillard Reacts to Going Back to Portland Trail Blazers

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 8:23 PM ET

NBA legend Damian Lillard is going back to the Portland Trail Blazers.

After getting waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this offseason, Lillard became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. He was linked to the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat.

However, Lillard is going home, signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Trail Blazers.

RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025

The Trail Blazers selected Lillard with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Lillard holds 17 franchise records.

A future Hall of Famer, Lillard is expected to miss all of next season rehabbing his left Achilles tendon tear. The guard signed with the Trail Blazers so he can be around his kids while he rehabs his injury.

One of the best players in NBA history, Lillard started 58 games for the Bucks last season. He averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 92.1% from the free-throw line.

Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon on April 27. He was slated to make $113 million over the next two seasons from the Bucks. That amount will be stretched over the next five seasons.

Lillard, 35, has made nine All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams. He won the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year Award with the Trail Blazers.

An Oakland native, Lillard has career averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists with the Trail Blazers and Bucks. He’s fourth in NBA history in 3-point field goals.

The Trail Blazers went 36-46 last season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2021.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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