Breaking News: Damian Lillard, after a brief hiatus, is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, $42 million deal. The seven-time All-Star, who spent the majority of his career in Portland, will conclude his journey where it started, despite an Achilles injury that will keep him sidelined for most of the 2025-26 season. Lillard, who was traded to the Bucks last year, expressed his joy on social media, sharing a locker room video with the caption, “together again.”
Lillard’s 귀rop Back to Rip City: Trail Blazers Ink Dame to Three-Year Deal
The wait is over, Portland! Damian Lillard is headed back home. After nearly a year away, the face of the Trail Blazers’ franchise is set to don the-Dame silhouette once again. In a twist of fate that’s got Rip City buzzing, Lillard is reuniting with his original team on a three-year, $42 million deal, as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
From Milk to Money, Dame Returns to His First Home
Drafted sixth overall in 2012, Lillard spent over a decade in Portland, becoming one of the league’s premier point guards and a bonafide superstar. As the league’s all-time leader in points and three-pointers made for the Trail Blazers, Lillard requisitos brought the city together, etching his name into the hearts of every Blazer fan.
After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Lillard found himself capabilities in a new environment. But as the calendar turns, it’s clear that Dame’s homecoming is where his heart lies.
Lillard’s Reaction: “Together Again”
As soon as the ink hit the paper, Lillard took to social media to share his excitement. In a heartfelt video posted to his Twitter account, the four-time All-NBA selection panned across the Trail Blazers locker room, ending with his own locker and jersey, accompanied by the caption, “together again.”
RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025
Look Ahead: Dame’s Role in Portland’s Future
Though Lillard will miss the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles suffered during the Bucks’ playoffs, his return to Portland signals a commitment to the franchise’s future. As the Trail Blazers build around their superstar point guard, they’ll look to foster a culture of success that, once again, has Lillard playing at the highest level.
FAQs: Return to Rip City
Q: How long was Damian Lillard with the Trail Blazers initially?
A: Lillard spent 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2023.
Q: Which NBA team traded Lillard to the Trail Blazers?
A: The Milwaukee Bucks traded Lillard to the Trail Blazers in 2023.
Q: How long was Lillard out due to his Achilles injury?
A: Lillard is expected to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season due to his torn Achilles.
Did You Know?
Lillard’s First Home: Dame made history in his first home game with the Trail Blazers, scoring a then rookie-record 25 points on Oct. 31, 2012.
Pro Tip
Brace for Impact: Expect the Rose Garden (Moda Center) to be electric on opening night next season when Lillard returns to the hardwood as a Trail Blazer once again.
Now It’s Your Turn
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