Damian Lillard is coming home.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the nine-time All-Star is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers—a stunning twist in one of the NBA’s most dramatic recent storylines. The new deal reportedly includes a player option for 2027–28 and a no-trade clause, giving Lillard full control over his future as he rejoins the franchise where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career.
“Nine-time NBA All-Star “Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers,” reported Shams Charania on Thursday. “Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. “
Lillard, 35, is recovering from an Achilles tear and is expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season. Still, between his annual Bucks salary and the $42 million he’ll make from the Blazers, Dame is set to make a fortune over the next two years.
“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,” wrote Shams. “Blazers officials and Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management are finalizing terms this week.”
Lillard left the franchise in 2023 after 11 years with the team. It was an ugly parting at the time, but both sides were eager to reunite after several meetings over the past few weeks.
“Lillard and the Trail Blazers both deeply cared about the comeback in recent weeks, with multiple meetings among the Portland franchise icon, general manager Joe Cronin, and head coach Chauncey Billups to bond together and move forward united on a new deal,” Charania continued.
It’s been a whirlwind for Lillard since leaving Portland and joining the Bucks. Initially, he dreamt of winning a title with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but after a disappointing run, Milwaukee waived and stretched his contract, ending the partnership earlier than expected. Now, he gets the chance to play out a storybook ending with the team he never wanted to leave.
Of course, Lillard isn’t joining the same Blazers team. When he left two years ago, they were still learning the game and finding their identity as one of the youngest teams in the league. Now, the roster has changed, and veterans like Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic are gone, while rising prospects such as Donovan Clingan, Deni Avdija, and Yang Hansen headline a much younger core.
At this stage of his career, Lillard may no longer be the dominant scorer he once was, but the Blazers still believe he can make a major impact. Beyond the box score, he brings leadership, mentorship, and a deep connection to Rip City—intangibles that could help mold this young team into something special.
In the end, Lillard didn’t just choose a team—he chose home. In an era where stars chase rings and greener pastures, Dame’s return to Portland is a rare moment of loyalty, legacy, and unfinished business. Whether he helps spark a new era or simply guides the next generation, Rip City is ready to embrace its icon once again.
