5 hours ago 1

Why did Damian Lillard sign with Trail Blazers? Veteran star makes stunning decision to reunite with Portland

Damian Lillard will be returning to the team that drafted him — the Trail Blazers.

Lillard is signing a three-year, $42 million contract with Portland, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The move comes a few weeks after the Bucks made the shocking decision to release the guard, despite Milwaukee still owing him $113 million.

Portland used the No. 6 pick on the guard in the 2012 NBA Draft. Lillard has spent the vast majority of his professional career with the Trail Blazers, except for the last three seasons, when he was with the Bucks. He is expected to miss the entire first year of the deal due to his recovery from a torn Achilles that ended his 2024-2025 campaign.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Here is more on Lillard deciding to return home to Portland.

Damian Lillard contract details

Lillard is returning to Portland on a three-year deal worth $42 million.

He will still be getting paid out by Milwaukee, which, due to the timing of the release, will be able to extend Lillard's $113 million owed over the next several seasons. Between both franchises, the guard is set to make $70 million in 2025-2026, per Charania.

Lillard will then have a remaining total salary of $141 million over the next two seasons, before he can opt out ahead of the 2028 NBA season.