Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
10h ago

Damian Lillard Returns to Blazers on Three-Year Deal to Mentor While Rehabbing Achilles

Rehabbing a torn Achilles in 2025–26, Lillard will take on the NBA’s highest-paid assistant coach role to mentor Portland’s young core

Apr 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with a no-trade clause and a player option after two seasons upon rejoining the Trail Blazers on July 21.
  • The nine-time All-Star was waived and contract-stretched by Milwaukee before choosing Portland over Boston, Minnesota and Golden State.
  • He is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season recovering from the Achilles tear suffered during the 2025 playoffs.
  • Under coach Chauncey Billups, Lillard will occupy a rostered assistant coach position—making him the highest-paid assistant in NBA history—to guide the team’s young roster.
  • Holding franchise records for career points and three-pointers, Lillard said he is grateful to be back home in Portland to focus on family, community and mentorship.