Earlier this month, the Milwaukee Bucks made the decision to part ways with star guard Damian Lillard. On Thursday, it was reported that Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, was finalizing a three-year deal that would bring him back to the other NBA teams he had played for previously.
Lillard, who was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, spent 11 seasons with the team and holds the record for the most points in franchise history. He expressed his excitement about this reunion on social media.
In one enthusiastic post, Lillard wrote, “ripcityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” alongside a video showing the lockers of several Trail Blazers players, including his own No. 0. The video concluded with a brief message: “Together again.”
However, Lillard will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2025-26 season as he recovers from Achilles injuries that he suffered during the NBA playoffs in late April.
Meanwhile, the Bucks still owe Lillard $113 million, projected to be paid over the next five years. Due to revenues associated with his transactions with both Portland and Milwaukee, Lillard’s salary for the 2025-26 season is set to increase to $70 million.
Last season, the Blazers faced challenges without Lillard, finishing with a disappointing 36-46 record and missing out on the playoffs.
It’s noteworthy that Lillard received interest from several other NBA teams, but he ultimately opted for the franchise that feels most familiar to him.
