Lillard Expresses Joy After Signing Deal with Blazers

Damian Lillard conveyed his happiness about returning home after formalizing an agreement to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, according to international reports on Tuesday.

Last week, Lillard finalized a three-year contract with the Blazers worth $42 million. The contract includes a no-trade provision, allowing him to potentially opt out after two seasons.

Lillard stated he is pleased to be back with the Blazers and excited to return to the environment where he has spent his entire adult life.

“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, my whole family being here, my mom, my brother, my sisters, all my friends around the city of Portland,” Lillard mentioned.

“All of those things count. I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon.”
Prior to the 2023-24 season, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at his own request, following 11 seasons with Portland.

During a first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers in April, Lillard suffered a tear in his left Achilles tendon, necessitating surgery that is likely to keep him off the court for the entirety of the 2025-26 season.

During his rehabilitation, Lillard will take on a mentorship position within the team.

“I told him that this year he’s going to be the highest paid assistant coach in league history because I’ll be putting them to work every day,” Billups joked.

Billups commented on Lillard, stating, “I mentioned to him that he will be the highest-paid assistant coach this year because I plan to keep him actively involved every day.”

Lillard anticipates making a return to the court during the 2025-26 season.

“My prideful self would be thinking differently, but I think with age, you get wiser,” Lillard stated.

“Like Joe said, it’s going to be ultimately what’s best, I think, to take as much time as possible to make sure that I’m right, that’s what I’ll do.”