Injured All-Star guard returns to Portland as franchise rebuilds around familiar faces

Lillard Agrees to New Contract with Portland

Damian Lillard is headed back to Portland.

The nine-time NBA All-Star has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources who spoke with ESPN. The deal includes a rare no-trade clause and a player option for the 2027–28 season, securing Lillard’s return to the franchise where he became a superstar.

With the new agreement, Lillard becomes just the second active NBA player with a true no-trade clause—joining LeBron James. Bradley Beal previously held one before finalizing a buyout with the Phoenix Suns earlier this week.

Franchise and Star Reunite After Major Trade

Lillard, 35, was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 in a deal that sent Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara to Portland. After one season and a devastating Achilles injury, the Bucks waived Lillard earlier this month, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract to make room for free-agent signing Myles Turner.

In recent weeks, Trail Blazers management, including GM Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups, met with Lillard to explore a possible reunion. According to sources, both sides prioritized reuniting in Portland, where Lillard’s family and children live.

Despite receiving multiple offers from playoff contenders, including midlevel and veteran minimum contracts, Lillard chose to return to the team that drafted him in 2012.

Injury and Rehab Timeline

Lillard tore his left Achilles in Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers in April and underwent surgery in May. He is expected to sit out the 2025–26 season to recover, though his contract with Portland continues through at least 2027 with an opt-out option.

The financial structure of his deal reflects prior obligations to Milwaukee, resulting in a combined salary of $70 million in 2025–26 and $141 million over the next two seasons.

Trail Blazers Roster Taking Shape

Portland’s front office has been active in reshaping the roster since Lillard’s initial departure. Following trades involving Jrue Holiday and others, the Blazers have now reacquired both Lillard and Holiday this offseason.

The team’s core now includes:

• Damian Lillard
• Jrue Holiday
• Robert Williams III
• Malcolm Brogdon
• Deni Avdija
• Toumani Camara
• A 2029 first-round pick
• Two Bucks pick swaps

The Blazers ended last season on a strong 22–18 run and ranked in the NBA’s top five in overall defense and third in transition defense during that stretch, according to ESPN Research.

Lillard’s Legacy in Portland

Before his brief time in Milwaukee, Lillard spent 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, earning seven All-NBA honors and leading the franchise to eight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2019.

He holds the Trail Blazers’ all-time record in points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387), and ranks second in assists (5,151). Remarkably, he has scored 55 or more points in seven games with the franchise—more than any other player in team history.

Lillard’s return signals more than a comeback from injury; it marks a homecoming for one of Portland’s most beloved athletes as both he and the franchise look to write their next chapter together.

Source:  ESPN – Damian Lillard reaches deal to return to Trail Blazers

The post Damian Lillard Returns to Trail Blazers on 3-Year, $42M Deal with No-Trade Clause appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET), teams are making significant moves to reshape their rosters. Stay updated with the latest trade reports and confirmed transactions.

Latest Reported Trades

Warriors Land Jimmy Butler in Blockbuster Deal

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in a major trade. In return, Miami will receive Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick, per Shams Charania (ESPN).

Warriors Receive:

• Jimmy Butler (SF)

Heat Receive:

• Andrew Wiggins (SF)
• Dennis Schröder (PG)
• Kyle Anderson (F)
• Protected first-round pick

Kings Add Jonas Valančiūnas to Frontcourt

The Sacramento Kings are bolstering their roster with the addition of Jonas Valančiūnas from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, the Wizards will receive Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks, per Shams Charania (ESPN).

Kings Receive:

• Jonas Valančiūnas (C)

Wizards Receive:

• Sidy Cissoko (F)
• Two second-round picks

Thunder Acquire Daniel Theis

The Oklahoma City Thunder are adding depth at center by trading for Daniel Theis from the New Orleans Pelicans. The deal also includes a 2031 second-round pick, while the Pelicans will receive cash considerations in return.

Thunder Receive:

• Daniel Theis (C)
• 2031 second-round pick

Pelicans Receive:

• Cash considerations

Rockets Land Jaden Springer in Deal with Celtics

The Houston Rockets are acquiring Jaden Springer from the Boston Celtics, along with a 2030 second-round pick. As part of the trade, both teams will swap heavily protected second-round picks.

Rockets Receive:

• Jaden Springer (G)
• 2030 second-round pick
• Heavily protected future second-round pick

Celtics Receive:

• Heavily protected future second-round pick

Bucks Swap Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma

The Milwaukee Bucks are making a big roster move, sending former All-Star forward Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. The deal also includes Patrick Baldwin Jr. heading to Milwaukee, while the Bucks will send AJ Johnson and a 2028 first-round pick swap to Washington.

Bucks Receive:

• Kyle Kuzma (F)
• Patrick Baldwin Jr. (F)
• 2025 second-round pick

Wizards Receive:

• Khris Middleton (F)
• AJ Johnson (G)
• 2028 first-round pick swap

Stay Updated!

Source

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