Reasons Why Damian Lillard Returned to Trail Blazers on a $42M Deal Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After two years away, Damian Lillard is officially back with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Oregonian reported on Thursday that Lillard agreed to a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers. The nine-time All-Star returns to Portland, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career, following a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks that ended with an Achilles injury and a contract buyout.

Lillard will miss the 2025–26 season while rehabbing the injury he suffered during the 2025 playoffs. But according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the decision to return home went beyond basketball.

“Ryan, being back with his three kids was by far the biggest, most important factor in Damian Lillard deciding to return,” Shams said.

Despite interest from teams like Boston and Minnesota, Lillard chose Portland. Charania added that Lillard, GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups met at his home recently to “bond, reunite and move forward on a deal.” The contract includes a no-trade clause and a player option for 2027.

On the biggest reason Damian Lillard returned to Portland for @SportsCenter at Night: pic.twitter.com/aQVIl6WIrm

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2025

“This is an opportunity for Damian to stay home, continue his rehabilitation, take time to decide where he wants to play next, while still being paid his entire contract,” Lillard's agent Aaron Goodwin said earlier.

Lillard holds Portland records for points and 3-pointers and led the team to eight playoff appearances, including the 2019 Western Conference Finals. Despite earning nearly $70 million this year between the Bucks and Blazers, he chose a much smaller deal to return.

The Trail Blazers ended last season as one of the top-five defensive unit. With Lillard’s leadership, the young roster looks to rebuild with its franchise icon once again in the fold.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.

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