The Portland Trail Blazers made a shocking free agency decision on Thursday.
Damian Lillard was among the most highly sought-after free agents after the Milwaukee Bucks shockingly elected to waive him earlier this summer.
The nine-time All-Star had plenty of suitors to choose from, but ultimately, he elected to return to the franchise that drafted him in 2012; the Portland Trail Blazers.
“Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote Thursday. “Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old.”
“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.”
Lillard was selected No. 6 overall by the Trail Blazers 13 years ago. The Weber State product became a franchise legend in short order, as he not only accumulated notable accolades as a Trailblazer but also helped the organization reach the postseason on several occasions.
Most memorably, Lillard led Portland to the 2019 Western Conference Finals, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets to reach the third round of the playoffs (the Golden State Warriors eliminated them in four games).
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Although Lillard is well past his prime at age 35, it’s reasonable to assume that he’ll be the Trail Blazers’ No. 1 scoring option from the get-go and prove he can still score at will from different areas on the hardwood.
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Category: Basketball
