Damian Lillard secures $70 million from Bucks and Blazers despite sitting out 2025-26 season

With Lillard sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in the first round against the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks moved quickly earlier this month, waiving the nine-time All-Star and stretching the $113 million left on his contract.

With Portland’s contract in place, Lillard will collect $70 million this year from both the Bucks and the Blazers.

Damian Lillard returning to the Trailblazers

“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 posted in X (formerly Twitter).

Most fans and national analysts welcomed Dame’s return to the Trailblazers with nostalgia, though some in Rip City still question his loyalty to a team he once walked away from. Several players have already voiced excitement about reuniting with him, but a portion of the fan base struggles to celebrate the comeback of the star who requested a move in search of greener pastures, only to find they weren’t as bright as expected.

Recovering from an injury that may leave him short of his peak form, Lillard accepted a contract with Portland that accounts for that risk. Yet if he regains even a portion of the dominance he once displayed, the Trail Blazers will benefit from having a star on an affordable deal. That value creates the financial flexibility to secure and develop their rising players as their rookie contracts end, a step that could turn Portland into a true contender.

The Trail Blazers selected Lillard with the sixth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Across 13 seasons, the future Hall of Famer has put up 25.1 points and 6.7 assists per game, shooting 43.9% from the floor and 37.1% from beyond the arc.