Lillard Returns to Portland After $113 Million Waiver

Damian Lillard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers with two years and $113 million remaining on his contract when the Milwaukee Bucks waived him in 2025. The decision ended a three-year stint in Milwaukee and allowed Lillard to sign a team-friendly deal with his former franchise in the summer of 2025.

Lillard played the first 11 seasons of his career in Portland, where he reached the conference finals once but never won a championship. He requested a trade in the summer of 2023, moving to the Bucks to join Giannis Antetokounmpo. The partnership was marked by coaching changes and injuries, with the two stars playing in only four playoff games together and winning one.

During his time in Milwaukee, Lillard averaged more than 24 points per game but described the period as lonely because his family stayed in Portland. He suffered an Achilles tear in 2025 during a second consecutive first-round playoff exit. The Bucks waived him shortly after the injury, ending his tenure there.

Lillard stated that the Blazers were the first team to contact him after the waiver. He told NBC News that he was thankful for the immediate opportunity to return. He said the organization knew he would not accept the injury and that he would respond by continuing to play. Lillard said he has no regrets about the journey, noting that his departure was necessary for the Blazers to rebuild.

The trade that sent Lillard to Milwaukee brought players Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija to Portland. The subsequent rebuild allowed the team to select Donovan Clingan in the draft. Lillard’s waiver gave him the financial freedom to sign with the Blazers without taking on a massive salary burden. He missed the 2025-2026 season while recovering from his Achilles tear.

Portland entered its Tuesday game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 2-0 record. The Lakers game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Lillard is averaging 28.5 minutes per game in the team’s first two contests. He scored 25 points in the season opener and 19 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings.

First-year head coach Micah Nori manages a roster that includes point guard Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Scoot Henderson. Nori has utilized the depth of the team, with all but one of the 10 players who appeared in both opening games averaging at least 12 minutes. No player has averaged more minutes than Avdija’s 30.5.

Lillard said the current roster setup allows him to play without the burden of carrying the team alone. He noted that the team is selfless and that the game feels simple because of the variety of talent available. He expects to stay healthy deep into the season and the postseason.

Ja Morant said the group is ego-free and focused on the best way to win. Lillard said he is looking for the opportunity to show his true character and that the team is positioned to have a successful season. He stated that the next few years represent a chance to compete for a championship.