Damian Lillard is returning to his former home after becoming an unexpected free agent last week. The point guard has agreed to a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $42 million according to Shams Charania of ESPN.com.
The Celtics were one of several teams that showed interest in signing Lillard according to multiple sources after the Bucks surprisingly waived and stretched the former All-Star guard after the start of free agency. Jayson Tatum was reportedly taking part in Boston’s recruiting efforts to entice Lillard to come to Boston as he recovered from a torn Achilles in recent days. Tatum and Lillard have a relationship and spent time on Team USA Basketball together throughout this decade.
The Warriors and Lakers were also among the contenders that showed interest in Lillard along with the Celtics but the 35-year-old guard has elected to rejoin his former team that traded him away to the Bucks in 2023. Lillard will get a three-year deal per Charania for the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and a no-trade clause. The contract helps maximize Lillard’s payday as he will be earning $70 million next season combined between his Bucks and Blazers salary.
The Blazers traded Lillard away to the Bucks in September 2023 as part of a three-team trade that netted Portland Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara and three first-round picks. Portland also reacquired Holiday from the Celtics this offseason in a deal for Anfernee Simons.
Lillard is expected to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles. He joins a suddenly crowded backcourt in Portland that includes Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
