Damian Lillard Will Return to the Portland Trail Blazers
Introduction
After much speculation and anticipation, it has been confirmed that nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard will be returning to the Portland Trail Blazers. According to sources, Lillard has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to continue playing for the team that drafted him back in 2012.
Behind the Decision
This decision comes as no surprise to many, as Lillard has been a key player for the Blazers since his arrival. In fact, he has been the team's top scorer for the past six seasons and has shown no signs of slowing down. With his consistent performance on the court and strong leadership skills, it's no wonder the Blazers were eager to secure him for another three years.
What This Means for the Team
Lillard's return is a major win for the Blazers, as they continue to build a strong and competitive team. With the addition of new players and the retention of their star point guard, the Blazers are looking to make a run for the NBA championship in the upcoming season. Lillard's return also shows the team's commitment to their core players and their trust in Lillard to lead them to success.
About the People Mentioned
Damian Lillard
Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard, born July 15, 1990, in Oakland, California, is an American professional basketball player widely recognized as one of the NBA’s most dynamic and prolific scorers[1]. He played college basketball at Weber State University, where he became one of the program’s all-time greats, finishing second in career scoring, first in three-pointers made, and earning two-time Big Sky Conference MVP honors before entering the 2012 NBA Draft after his junior year[2]. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the sixth overall pick in that draft[1]. Lillard quickly established himself as a star in the NBA. As a rookie, he started all 82 games, led all first-year players in scoring, and was named the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year—the fourth player ever to receive every first-place vote[3]. He became known for his clutch shooting, leadership, and durability, earning multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors during his tenure with Portland. Lillard holds several franchise records for the Trail Blazers and is celebrated for iconic playoff performances, including a series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets in 2014[1]. In September 2023, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, marking a major shift in his career after over a decade with Portland[1]. However, his time in Milwaukee was interrupted by injury: in April 2025, he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, a significant setback for any athlete[1]. Following his injury and subsequent recovery, the Bucks waived Lillard in July 2025, after which he returned to the Trail Blazers, rejoining the franchise where he had become a legend[1]. Beyond his on-court achievements, Lillard is active in community work, having won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2019 for his contributions off the court[6]. As of October 2025, Lillard’s career is at a crossroads as he recovers from injury and resumes his role with Portland, maintaining relevance both as a veteran leader and a symbol of resilience in professional sports[1]. His journey from Oakland to Weber State to NBA stardom—marked by scoring prowess, loyalty, and comeback narratives—cements his place as one of his generation’s most compelling figures in basketball[1][2][3].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the NBA’s Western Conference Northwest Division. Founded in 1970 as an expansion franchise, the team struggled initially, missing the playoffs in its first six seasons. Their breakthrough came in 1977 when, led by coach Jack Ramsay and star Bill Walton, they won their only NBA championship to date after a dramatic comeback in the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers[1][2][3]. The Trail Blazers’ identity is closely tied to “Rip City,” a passionate fan culture emphasizing unselfish play and strong defense. The team made further NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, led by stars such as Clyde Drexler, but fell short of additional titles. The franchise has made the playoffs 37 times in 54 seasons, reflecting sustained competitiveness[3]. Ownership has played a pivotal role in the Blazers' business and cultural footprint. Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, owned the team from 1988 until his death in 2018, investing significant resources and passion into the franchise[1][4]. Currently, the team is transitioning to new ownership led by Texas businessman Tom Dundon, who plans to keep the franchise in Portland and develop its entertainment value, signaling stability and future growth in both sports and business dimensions[4]. Key figures across the Blazers’ history include Hall of Famers Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, and recent star Damian Lillard, who is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. The team is known for its distinctive logo representing basketball itself rather than the city or team name, symbolizing its unique brand identity[1][3]. In recent years, the Blazers have been competitive playoff contenders, adapting to evolving NBA formats such as the play-in tournament. Coaching changes, including the hiring of Chauncey Billups in 2021, mark ongoing efforts to build a championship-caliber team. The franchise’s legacy
