Damian Lillard, just over two weeks after he was unceremoniously released by the Milwaukee Bucks, is reuniting with the Portland Trailblazers. After the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and several first-round picks for Lillard just two years ago, Lillard is now heading back to Portland.
Damian Lillard Heading Back to Portland Trailblazers
Damian Lillard has had a whirlwind of a summer. In June, he was rehabbing from his Achilles injury and preparing to miss much of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. On July 1st, the team released Lillard just weeks after his season-ending injury in the playoffs, making way for the signing of Myles Turner. While the Milwaukee Bucks pivoted away from Lillard just two seasons after trading a massive haul for the player, the nine-time All-Star was left having to find a new direction.
That new direction has turned out to be an old stomping ground. Damian Lillard is reuniting with the Portland Trailblazers on a three-year deal worth $42 million.
BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. 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. pic.twitter.com/mm1uUtMgO6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 17, 2025
Lillard is joining a team that, despite being in the doldrums of the western conference when he requested a trade in 2023, now features exciting talent like rookie sensation Yang Hansen, all-defense-caliber wing Toumani Camara, second-year center Donovan Clingan, and other emerging talent like Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija.
Damian Lillard Ends His Milwaukee Bucks Career By Going Full Circle
Lillard was originally drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 2012, and was with the team until 2023. After requesting a trade following years of Portland being in purgatory and failing to contend, the Milwaukee Bucks made a massive move for the All-Star guard.
Two years later, the Lillard trade has clearly been a disaster for the Bucks. Lillard and co-star Giannis Antetokounmpo were not even to compete in one full playoff series together due to injuries. Now, with Antetokounmpo needing reassurance about the team’s direction, the front office has made Lillard a casualty of their soft rebuild, cutting him and stretching his contract to allow Myles Turner to be signed in free agency.
Much has been made about the disrespect that Lillard faced in the move. Even more has been made about Lillard still having his heart in Portland. Now, Lillard is back where it all began, running it back with a much different squad, but a fanbase that is sure to welcome him back with open arms.
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