Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is set to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, according to news reports.

Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers that is expected to include a no-trade clause and a player option in the third year to give him more autonomy.

However, Lillard has personally confirmed this big news on social media, marking the continuation of the 11-year deep relationship between the legendary point guard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

In 2023, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, but became a free agent after being waived on July 7, 2025. Despite this, he has always maintained a close connection with the Portland Trail Blazers and is now finally "home."

However, fans may need to be patient in waiting for Lillard 's return, as he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs against the Indiana Pacers and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Although Lillard missed the team's last 14 regular season games, he quickly returned to the court after stopping anticoagulants and obtaining doctor's approval, showing great fighting spirit and professionalism. This season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game, ranking tenth in the league, and was selected for his ninth All-Star Game.

With Lillard's return, the Portland Trail Blazers' lineup and morale will surely be greatly boosted. Lillard's return time is still uncertain, but this contract undoubtedly lays a solid foundation for his future with the team.