Damian Lillard Returns to Trail Blazers, Focuses on Achilles Recovery

Damian Lillard has finalized a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, expressing his happiness to be 'back home' after being surprisingly waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. The nine-time All-Star, who averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists last season, is focused on rehabilitating a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs and is unlikely to play the entire 2025-26 NBA season. Lillard emphasized his emotional return, stating he never felt right not being in Portland.