Damian Lillard’s return to Portland places him alongside LeBron James in unique NBA group

On Thursday, the NBA was shaken by the news that Damian Lillard will return to the Portland Trail Blazers after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks just a few weeks ago. In this new chapter of his career, the guard will hold a privilege that only LeBron James enjoys today.

Lillard’s contract with Portland—three years and $42 million—includes a no-trade clause. That means the Oregon franchise cannot trade him to another team unless he personally approves the deal.

NBA insider Bobby Marks explained how the point guard is eligible for such an advantage. “Damian Lillard is allowed to have a no trade clause in his contract despite not playing with the Trail Blazers the past 2 years. Criteria: 8 years in the NBA, 4 years of accrued service with that particular team. Lillard earned this with Portland prior to being traded,” Marks wrote on his X account.

Indeed, Dame easily meets those requirements. He completed his 13th NBA season in 2024–25 with the Bucks, after being selected sixth overall in the 2012 Draft by the Blazers. He spent 11 seasons in Portland before being traded to Milwaukee in 2023.

LeBron James is the only other player with a no-trade clause

With this new contract in Portland, the 9-time NBA All-Star joins a very exclusive group. “Lillard joins the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James as the only NBA players with a true no-trade clause in their contracts,” wrote reporter Shams Charania for ESPN.

LeBron’s status as the only player with that privilege has been widely recognized, underscoring his unique standing in the league. Interestingly, until just a few days ago, there was one more player in that category. “Bradley Beal had one before coming to a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns earlier this week,” Charania clarified.

Can the Blazers compete in the West?

Lillard’s impact on the court won’t be immediate. The guard is currently in the early stages of recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, suffered in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. That means it will be some time before he’s ready to return to action.

Still, once he does, the Blazers will have far more visibility than they’ve had in recent years. During Lillard’s two-year absence, Portland missed the playoffs in the Western Conference—something that had also happened in the two seasons before he left. Their last deep run came in 2019, when they reached the Western Conference Finals before being swept by the Golden State Warriors.

With a healthy Dame, Portland fans may have reason to be optimistic as they look at a potential starting lineup featuring Lillard, potentially alongside Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan.