Damian Lillard Signs with Portland Trail Blazers After Bucks Waiver

Damian Lillard has signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a move he described as meaningful given his long history in the city. The nine-time All-Star, who was recently waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, is expected to miss the 2025-26 season after undergoing surgery for a torn left Achilles tendon sustained during the playoffs. Despite the injury and a prior deep vein thrombosis issue that limited his games last season, Lillard expressed excitement about being back with the team where he holds franchise records for points and 3-pointers.