Reasons Why Damian Lillard Returned to Trail Blazers on a $42M Deal Revealed
The reasons why Damian Lillard returned to Trail Blazers on an agreement of $ 42 million originally revealed on Athlon Sports.
After two years, Damian Lillard is officially back with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Oregonian reported Thursday that Lillard had accepted an 42 million dollars agreement over three years with the Trail Blazers. The All-Star of nine times returns to Portland, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career, following a visit with the Milwaukee Bucks which ended with an injury from Achilles and a contract buyback.
Lillard will miss the 2025-2026 season while rehabilitating the injury he suffered during the 2025 playoffs. But according to Shams Charania d’Espn, the decision to return home beyond basketball.
“Ryan, being back with his three children was by far the most important and most important factor in Damian Lillard deciding to return,” said Shams.
Despite the interest of the team like Boston and Minnesota, Lillard chose Portland. Charania added that Lillard, managing director Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups met at his home recently to “bond, meet and move forward on an agreement”. The contract includes a clause without exchange and a player option for 2027.
On the main reason why Damian Lillard returned to Portland to @Sportscenter Night: pic.twitter.com/aqvil6wirm
– Shams Charania (@shamscharania) July 18, 2025
“This is an opportunity for Damian to stay at home, to continue his rehabilitation, to take the time to decide where he wants to play next, while still being paid for his contract,” said Lillard agent Aaron Goodwin earlier.
Lillard holds the Portland records for the points and the 3 points and led the team to eight playoffs, including the finals of the Western 2019 conference. Although he wins nearly $ 70 million this year between the Bucks and the Blazers, he chose a much smaller agreement to return.
The Trail Blazers ended last season as one of the first five defensive unit. With Lillard leadership, the young list seeks to rebuild with its franchise icon again in the lap.
This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports on July 18, 2025, where it appeared for the first time.
