After a brief and challenging tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, star guard Damian Lillard is making a highly anticipated return to the team where his illustrious career began, the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard was recently waived by the Bucks, but swiftly secured a new opportunity, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $42 million to rejoin the Blazers in Oregon. This move is widely regarded as a "fairytale-like comeback" for the 35-year-old, bringing him back to what he considers home and the site of his happiest professional moments.

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The newly inked contract with the Portland Trail Blazers is structured to include a player option for the 2027-28 season, providing Lillard with flexibility in his future. Additionally, the deal features a no-trade clause, further cementing his long-term commitment and desire to remain with the Trail Blazers. This comprehensive agreement signals a strong intent for Lillard to conclude his career with the franchise he helped elevate.

Financially, Lillard's return to Portland involves a complex arrangement. While the new contract directly with the Blazers is for $42 million over three years, his overall earnings for the 2025-26 season are projected to reach a fixed salary of $70 million, a figure derived from a combination of his deals with both the Blazers and his prior agreement with the Milwaukee Bucks. Furthermore, Lillard is expected to earn a total of $141 million over the next two years leading up to the aforementioned opt-out opportunity in 2027, showcasing a substantial financial commitment despite his recent injury.

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However, Lillard's highly anticipated return will initially be hampered by a significant injury. He tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and underwent surgery in early May. Crucially, due to this rehabilitation, Lillard is not expected to play during the entire 2025-26 season. This means his comeback will be a gradual process, focusing on recovery before he can actively contribute on the court for the Trail Blazers.

In other significant league news, three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has also made a notable move. Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and is set to join the LA Clippers. His new commitment with the Clippers is a two-year, $11 million deal, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, positioning him as a key free-agency asset in the coming years after clearing waivers.