It’s Dame Time again in Portland.

As first reported by ESPN, nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lillard confirmed the deal on X.

RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025

The Blazers traded Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks two years ago, after drafting Scoot Henderson at Lillard’s point guard position.

With Milwaukee, Lillard’s numbers remained strong, averaging 24 points and seven assists per game. But he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, ending his season and dooming Milwaukee’s playoff chances.

The Blazers haven’t released details of the contract, but according to ESPN, the blockbuster deal to bring the star point guard back to Portland includes a player option in the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause.

Under the reported terms, Lillard would not play next season and he would instead focus on recovering from his Achilles injury. He’ll be set to earn $70 million next season between his Portland and Milwaukee deals.

ESPN reports Lillard and the Trail Blazers were seeking a comeback in recent weeks, with multiple meetings including general manager Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups.

Lillard will be a senior member of one of the youngest teams in the NBA.

The news comes as the Paul Allen Estate is looking to sell the Blazers.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/17/damian-lillard-return-to-portland/