Injured Lillard glad to be 'back home' with Blazers

Damian Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. The deal includes a no-trade clause and allows him to opt out after two seasons. While driving home with his children after signing, Lillard felt the significance of returning "home," emphasizing the importance of being back in Portland with his family, friends, and playing for the Trail Blazers.

Lillard publicly discussed the reunion at a news conference with coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin. He played his first 11 NBA seasons in Portland before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at his request before the 2023-24 season. The 35-year-old, nine-time All-Star remains beloved in Portland for his "Dame Time" moments.

However, Lillard won't be playing soon. He tore his left Achilles tendon during the playoffs in April, requiring surgery that will likely sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. The Bucks waived him earlier this month, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years. Billups joked that Lillard would be the "highest-paid assistant coach" this season. While Lillard didn't rule out a return in 2025-26, both he and Cronin stressed they would prioritize his health and take as much time as needed.

In his last season with the Bucks, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists (ranking 10th in the league in both), earning his ninth All-Star selection, but was limited to 58 games due to a blood clot issue. In his final season with Portland (2022-23), he averaged a career-high 32.2 points and scored 71 points in a game, becoming only the seventh NBA player to surpass 70 points.