Damian Lillard finally was hit with a wave of realization after signing a new contract with the Portland Trail Blazers: he was coming home. Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the team where he spent the first 11 years of his NBA career. The contract includes a no-trade clause, and Lillard can opt out after the second season. “Just knowing that I’m going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets that I’ve driven on pretty much my entire adulthood… all of those things count,” Lillard said. “I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon.” pic.twitter.com/K2jps8HzfK — Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) July 22, 2025 Back in Portland, But Not Yet on the Court Although he’s back with Portland, Lillard won’t be suiting up right away. The 35-year-old guard tore his left Achilles tendon during the first round of the playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks and underwent surgery. He’s expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season. The Bucks waived Lillard earlier this month, stretching the $113 million remaining on his deal over five years. While Lillard didn’t completely rule out a surprise return, Cronin made it clear: “We’ll wait as long as it takes.” Lilard’s History With The Blazers Lillard was drafted sixth overall by Portland in 2012 and quickly became the face of the franchise. He holds team records for points (19,376), three-pointers (2,387), and 60-point games (5). He also ranks 10th all-time in NBA history with a 71-point performance against Houston. The nine-time All-Star averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists for his career and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and was the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2013. His final season in Portland saw him average a career-high 32.2 points before being traded at his request to the Bucks. (with AP inputs)