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Damian Lillard Targets Start of 2026–27 for Return After Achilles Tear

The 35-year-old plans to sit out 2025–26 to rehab in Portland on a three-year deal.

Overview

  • Lillard told iShowSpeed he will "probably" be ready at the start of next season, offering his clearest timeline since May’s surgery.
  • He tore his left Achilles in Game 4 of the Bucks–Pacers first-round series on April 27 and underwent repair on May 2.
  • Milwaukee waived and stretched the roughly $103–113 million remaining on his contract, creating space that was used to sign Myles Turner.
  • Lillard returned to the Trail Blazers on a three-year deal worth about $42 million that includes a no-trade clause and a player option.
  • He said he will be on the Blazers’ sideline in a mentoring role this season and described a rehab routine focused on therapy, strength work, and shooting.