It’s almost certain that Damian Lillard won’t be able to play in his first season back with the team he’s spent all but two seasons with in his career, the Portland Trail Blazers.
After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks at the start of 2025 NBA free agency, Lillard entered free agency for the first time in his career. He gained a lot of interest from multiple teams, but it didn’t take long before the 35-year-old decided to return to Portland.
Lillard and the Trail Blazers agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract in a deal that includes a no-trade clause and a player option for the 2027-28 season.
As he continues to rehab the torn Achilles tendon he suffered on April 27 in a playoff matchup against the Indian Pacers, Lillard seems to be at a good place mentally.
“It can feel like you’re not having much growth and then, after a couple of weeks, it’ll be like, oh man, I’m walking comfortable… I’ll always say, it’s just a mental challenge to just stay present and keep having those small wins. That’s what I’ve been able to do, and that’s what I’ll continue to do,” Lillard said to the press.
“It can feel like you’re not having much growth and then, after a couple of weeks, it’ll be like, oh man, I’m walking comfortable.”
Talked with Damian Lillard at his Formula Zero 2025 Elite Camp about his rehab from a torn Achilles, his camp, approach to 2025-26 season, Devin… pic.twitter.com/bMyGUWrbSJ
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 8, 2025
Damian Lillard is arguably the greatest Trail Blazers player in franchise history. The team hasn’t seen nearly as much success since he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 season.
The nine-time All-Star has led Portland to the franchise’s most successful seasons in the 11 seasons he played for them. Multiple “Dame Time” celebrations, series won in the postseason, and so many huge buckets throughout the years. It’s safe to say that NBA fans are happy to see Lillard back where it all began with a positive mental state.
