After many questions surrounded the future of Damian Lillard since the Milwaukee Bucks waived him just over a week ago, the nine-time All-Star is returning home to Portland. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Trail Blazers have signed Lillard to a three-year deal worth $42 million to return to the team he spent the first 11 years of his NBA career with.
Why Lillard Chose To Return To Portland
According to Charania, Lillard weighed his options to join numerous contenders on either mid-level exception or veteran minimum-type deals. However, Lillard ultimately chose to return to the Trail Blazers to be closer to his family and children. When Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks back in the summer of 2023, he hinted that he would one day return to the Trail Blazers to finish out his career.
What Does the Lillard Signing Mean For Portland?
While this signing won’t move the needle heading into next season, as Lillard is still fairly early into his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered during this past postseason, it does provide a shot in the arm for a Trail Blazers fanbase looking for any kind of excitement in the franchise’s short-term future. Whether or not Lillard can return to his prior All-Star type of form post-Achilles tear, the mentorship that Lillard can provide for this young Trail Blazers roster will be invaluable for the next few seasons.
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