In April 2025, while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of a playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks waived him in July, and he chose to return to the Trail Blazers for the 2025–26 season.

Although he has yet to appear in a game for Portland this year, Lillard represented the franchise in the All-Star Three-Point Contest. In remarkable fashion, he emerged victorious and added another milestone to his legacy.

Damian Lillard wins 2026 NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, joins exclusive list

Lillard secured the title after scoring 29 points in the final round. He defeated Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel to capture his third championship in the past four years.

With the win, Lillard joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players in NBA history to win the Three-Point Contest three times since the event began in 1986, but that was not his only achievement.

Lillard became just the second player in league history to compete in the contest while recovering from an Achilles injury. Denver Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard previously participated in 2005 while recovering from the same injury after winning the contest in 2004.

Will Damian Lillard play in the 2025–26 NBA season?

Despite participating in the 2026 NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, Damian Lillard is not expected to play during the 2025–26 season for the Portland Trail Blazers. He is still recovering from his Achilles injury and, at 35 years old, wants to be cautious with his return.

When he agreed to rejoin Portland, Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the franchise that originally drafted him. However, the focus appears to be on long-term health rather than rushing back this season.

After Lillard’s contract was waived and stretched, sending him back to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Bucks continued their roster overhaul that began in February when they acquired Kyle Kuzma and later added Myles Turner as a key free-agent signing.

Giannis believes that for this new-look Milwaukee team, maintaining “good spacing” will be even more important. “Last year we had one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league, and I think this year we can be even better,” he said during the Bucks’ postgame press conference following their preseason matchup against the Chicago Bulls, via HoopsHype. “We have one year under our belt, and we know how to play with one another.”

The Bucks led the league in three-point shooting percentage during the regular season, hitting 38.7% of their attempts. This year, Giannis expects the team to be even more effective with Turner’s arrival, calling him “a great player who creates a lot of advantages” thanks to his ability to stretch the floor.

How Myles Turner can improve the Bucks’ system

Giannis is confident that Turner’s presence will make the Bucks a faster and more efficient offensive unit, emphasizing that spacing will define their success in the upcoming NBA season.

“We’ve got to space the floor appropriately. I cannot stress enough how important spacing is for this team. Without spacing, we’re not good. With good spacing, we’re a very dangerous and difficult team to beat,” he explained.

Of course, things may get tricky considering both Brook Lopez and Lillard are no longer in Milwaukee. However, the Bucks remain a major three-point threat with players like Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis, AJ Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. all capable of knocking down shots from deep against every team in the NBA.

Lillard has been open about what he believes could have been during his first stint with Portland. Reflecting on his early years alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, the Trail Blazers star said their group had all the pieces to compete for a championship and truly believes they would have broken through if not for injuries and inexperience.

“I felt like, in the next one or two years, we would have won it,” Lillard said on his YouTube channel. “We were one of the best teams in my second year, just inexperienced. We were one of the best teams for a long time. In my third year, we just had a lot of injuries, like major injuries. I feel like that fourth year would have been a good year.”

Lillard’s first era with Portland is often remembered for early playoff exits and frustrating stretches of mediocrity. Whether paired with CJ McCollum or Carmelo Anthony, those Trail Blazers rarely advanced past the first round of the postseason. Still, there was a window early in Lillard’s career when it felt like Portland had a real chance to chase an NBA title.

Lillard’s path with the Blazers

Aldridge and Lillard formed one of the most promising duos in the league at the time, and their complementary skill sets gave the Trail Blazers a balanced, dangerous lineup. Unfortunately, injuries and timing kept them from fully realizing that potential.

In Lillard’s rookie season, Portland finished 11th in the West with a 33-49 record. It wasn’t until the 2013-14 campaign that the Trail Blazers broke through, finishing fifth in the conference at 54-28 and sending Lillard to his first All-Star appearance. The following season, Portland improved again, posting a 51-31 record and earning the No. 4 seed before falling to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

Lillard remains convinced — as do many fans who watched that team closely — that if the core had stayed healthy and given time to grow, Portland could have made history. The combination of youth, patience, and a little bit of luck might have been enough to deliver a NBA championship run.

Lillard’s return to Portland

Now back in Portland at 35, Lillard faces a different situation. The Trail Blazers are focused on developing their young talent and rebuilding their future, while Lillard is looking to prove he can still play at a high level despite the Achilles injury. The partnership may not last forever, but for now, both sides are betting that they can find a way to make this chapter work.

The Lakers are aggressively exploring options to bolster their roster and address glaring weaknesses. One of their top priorities is strengthening the center position, particularly in terms of rebounding on both ends and overall defensive presence. With their championship window still open, they are targeting players who can make an immediate impact.

According to BetUS, the Lakers are currently favored to land Robert Williams III. The Portland center could be exactly the kind of defensive anchor that Lillard needs to compete at a high level in what could be a crucial season for the Trail Blazers.

Williams, a 6-foot-9 rim protector with elite timing and rebounding instincts, would be a natural fit in a Lakers frontcourt that still lacks defensive consistency. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic both expected to lead the charge in Los Angeles, a lob-catching, shot-blocking big man could be a critical addition to their playoff-caliber core.

During his stint with the Boston Celtics, Williams gained valuable playoff experience alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Through his first five seasons in the NBA, he posted averages of 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 73.2% from the field. However, his time in Portland has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 26 appearances over the past two seasons.

With health concerns clouding his future in Portland, Williams is widely seen as expendable. The Lakers, meanwhile, have emerged as the frontrunners for his services. A potential trade package involving Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht could be enough to get a deal done. If that happens, Williams would become the second former Blazer to land in Los Angeles this summer, joining Deandre Ayton, and would likely provide a much-needed boost to their frontcourt rotation.

Other teams reportedly in need of a center like Williams include the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. For the Warriors, the center spot was arguably their weakest link throughout the regular season, especially after parting ways with veteran Kevon Looney and leaving the position open.

As for the Celtics, they could be forced into action after losing Kristaps Porzingis and potentially veteran big man Al Horford. Reacquiring Williams could make sense if they’re looking to maintain their interior defensive identity while also easing the minutes load on their remaining bigs.

As the offseason develops, Robert Williams III stands out as a key name to watch. His future could not only shift the balance for the Trail Blazers and Lakers but might also affect the landscape for contenders across the NBA.

“The first thought I had was how I’m about to come back from an Achilles. That was literally my first thought… My mind just automatically went to, ‘I got to fight for something.’ I know it’s going to be a long journey, and it’s a challenge mentally… It’s a mental battle. I don’t lose those. If it’s physical, it’s possible. But a mental battle, I’m just not going to lose,” Damian Lillard said in the press conference.

Trail Blazers fans eagerly anticipate Damian Lillard’s arrival, seeing it as a major boost for the team. However, they will need to be patient, as the 35-year-old star will not take the court until the 2026-27 NBA season. This timeline allows him to fully prioritize his comeback and return in optimal shape. Looking ahead, Lillard also holds a player option for the 2027-28 season, which he may exercise if he successfully regains his peak form.

In his last season before his injury, Damian maintained an impressive level of play, earning selection to the All-Star team. Playing 58 games with the Milwaukee Bucks, he averaged 24.9 points and contributed 7.1 assists per game. Additionally, he formed an impactful offensive duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. If he regains his peak form, he would undoubtedly be the best addition for the Trail Blazers.

Blazers reportedly sign another guard to count on during Damian Lillard’s recovery

The Portland Trail Blazers aim to see Damian Lillard return to peak form following his significant injury. However, they have strategically signed a young guard. This signing aims to bridge the gap left by the seasoned 35-year-old’s extended recovery period. According to Shams Charania, the franchise has welcomed Blake Wesley, a former first-round pick, on a one-year contract.

This move follows Wesley’s off-season decision to opt for a $1.4 million buyout with the Washington Wizards to become a free agent. At just 22 years old, he joins the Blazers with aspirations of cementing his place in the league. His tenure with the San Antonio Spurs spanned three seasons, during which he struggled to carve out a niche amid the rise of several emerging talents.

While Blake might not arrive with superstar acclaim, his opportunities to impress are plentiful, especially in the absence of Lillard. In a roster teeming with youthful potential, he has the chance to secure a pivotal role if he displays the skill set that originally earned him a top-25 selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Buddy Hield had an interesting reaction to the news of Lillard’s comeback. After ESPN insider Shams Charania reported on social media that Lillard had signed a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Trail Blazers, the Warriors guard simply commented, “Real,” on Charania’s Instagram post.

There had been growing speculation that Lillard, an Oakland native, might make a homecoming to the Bay Area and join Golden State. The rumors gained serious traction in recent weeks, fueling excitement about a potential move that could have elevated the Warriors back into title contention. Instead, the 35-year-old chose loyalty and familiarity, returning to the franchise that drafted him.

Lillard still faces a tough road ahead. The veteran guard ruptured his Achilles tendon in April, and an injury of that severity demands a long and grueling rehabilitation process. His availability for the 2025–26 NBA season remains uncertain, leaving Portland in limbo as they await his recovery.

The Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard earlier this offseason, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract across the next five years. That financial maneuver opened the door for his return to Portland, where he will attempt to revive his NBA career post-injury.

For now, the Warriors maintain their current core, headlined by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The trio hopes to steer the team back into playoff contention and potentially compete for another championship in what could be a defining season.

Hield’s role will be critical. Known for his perimeter shooting, the guard is expected to provide consistent scoring off the bench and stretch opposing defenses. That said, the pressure to become the “new Splash Brother” may already be weighing on him—a label that can be both flattering and burdensome for any shooter in Golden State’s system.

Looking ahead, the Warriors remain focused on their most urgent need: acquiring a legitimate center. The recent trade of Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans signals a shift in strategy and a clear intent to strengthen the interior. Golden State may be quiet now, but a bigger move could be on the horizon.

Lillard, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Blazers history, still holds the franchise records for more points scored (19,376) and three-pointers made (2,387), and he ranks second in assists (5,151). Now, at age 35, he’s coming back to where his career began.

Charania reported that Lillard’s return was driven by personal motivations rather than on-court factors. Being close to his family — especially his three children — was the primary reason behind the decision.

“Being home in Portland, being back with his three kids, was by far the biggest, most important factor in Damian Lillard returning to re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers,” Charania said on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“He was going to spend the year rehabbing his Achilles tear in the Portland area anyway. So, returning to the Blazers franchise, even though he requested a trade just two years ago, was something he deeply cared about,” he added.

Lillard’s desire to return to Portland reportedly began after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs while playing for the Bucks against the Indiana Pacers. The veteran guard initially requested to do his rehab in Portland, but Milwaukee declined the request.

Once the Bucks waived Lillard to make room for Pacers big man Myles Turner, several teams expressed interest in signing the nine-time All-Star. “Boston, Minnesota, dozens of other teams had minimum and mid-level exception offers out to Damian Lillard in the last several weeks,” Charania noted.

But ultimately, it was the opportunity to be back home — surrounded by family and returning to the city where he built his legacy — that tipped the scales in favor of Portland.

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.

“Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old,” reported Shams Charania via X (formerly Twitter).

Lillard’s return marks a new chapter for Portland as the franchise looks to rebuild around a revamped roster. With the addition of veteran guard Jrue Holiday and the departures of Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton, the Trail Blazers are expected to field a retooled starting lineup that blends experience with promising young talent.

This is the projected Trail Blazers starting lineup once Lillard is fully healthy—assuming no changes to the current roster: Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan.

However, Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Indiana Pacers. Charania reported that Lillard will miss the upcoming season to rehabilitate his injury.

With Lillard expected to make a full recovery, the Trail Blazers are aiming to return to the Western Conference Finals—a stage they last reached in 2019 before falling to the Golden State Warriors.

Lillard’s homecoming sets the stage for a promising backcourt-forward duo alongside Deni Avdija, who is coming off a breakout season in which he posted career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

After the Bucks waived Lillard to make room for the signing of Myles Turner, several teams quickly expressed interest in the nine-time All-Star. While rumors linked him to the Boston Celtics—largely due to his strong relationship with Jayson Tatum—Lillard ultimately chose to return to Portland, where his family and children reside, to focus on his recovery from injury.

Lillard’s tenure with the Bucks ended on a sour note last season, as he exited the playoff scene with a season-ending Achilles injury. This setback was a significant factor in Milwaukee’s inability to advance further and maintain their championship hopes.

Compounding the Bucks’ challenges was the concurrent injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, which hampered their playoff performance and derailed their quest for another NBA championship.

Looking ahead, Lillard’s next move in the NBA appears promising. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Boston Celtics have emerged as frontrunners to secure Lillard’s talents for the upcoming season, potentially teaming him with Jayson Tatum in what could become a formidable partnership.

Could the Celtics cope with Lillard and Tatum injured?

The Celtics face a significant challenge with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury sustained during the playoffs. As Tatum works on his recovery, the Celtics’ fan base eagerly anticipates the emergence of other players who can fill the void, similar to the impact a player like Brook Lopez once had.

Lillard has become the center of much offseason speculation. The primary concern for the Celtics is managing the absence of two of their top players, should they acquire Lillard. Both players, recovering from Achilles injuries like Kevin Durant did, face uncertain paths back to peak performance. Durant, in an interview with LeBron James, emphasized the challenges of returning from such injuries.

With the Celtics’ faithful hoping for a return to championship contention, Lillard’s potential acquisition is under scrutiny, particularly regarding his health. Meanwhile, Tatum’s anticipated comeback is expected to spearhead the team’s efforts next season.

Other teams eyeing Lillard

While the Celtics are rumored to be the frontrunners for Damian Lillard’s services, other franchises are reportedly in the hunt for the former Milwaukee Bucks star. The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves are also potential suitors, each eyeing Lillard to bolster their rosters for the upcoming NBA season.

According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Jayson Tatum aims to persuade Damian Lillard to join the Boston Celtics this offseason. The franchise plans to offer him a multi-year contract, undeterred by the limitations of his current injury. As reported by Chris Haynes, Lillard remains open to signing with a new team even while he recovers, making his potential move to Boston conceivable.

Following his $113 million contract fulfillment with the Milwaukee Bucks, financial demands will not heavily influence Lillard’s decision. However, the Celtics face stiff competition, as both the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in acquiring the All-Star guard, setting the stage for a challenging pursuit.

Damian Lillard remains committed to returning to peak performance close to home in Portland, despite interest from several NBA franchises. This stance gives the Warriors and the Lakers a potential advantage in pursuing him. However, with months of recovery still ahead, his future remains uncertain and no team has emerged as the frontrunner for his signature.

Celtics executive Brad Stevens addresses Jaylen Brown’s future within the franchise amid Tatum injury setback

After Jayson Tatum’s serious injury, speculation about a potential trade involving Jaylen Brown gained momentum. This chatter intensified as calls for a team restructuring grew louder, with skeptics questioning Brown’s ability to lead the franchise in Tatum’s absence. Despite the swirling rumors, Celtics executive Brad Stevens addressed Brown’s future with the team, leaving no room for doubt.

“There’s no question that Jaylen will draw the most attention and that Jaylen will, I think, thrive in that… I think you saw him several times — certainly the few games in the playoffs where we had to play without JT… I think he’s ready for any challenge, he always has been. I’m excited to see all these guys take a step up. Again, I’m excited to see a chip on their shoulder,” Brad Stevens said, as reported by Sports Illustrated.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined for much of the 2025-26 season, the spotlight shifts to Jaylen Brown. The 28-year-old star has already proven his capability, averaging 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over 63 games with the Boston Celtics last season. Now, with Tatum absent, Brown has the opportunity to take on a more prominent offensive role and silence any lingering doubts from the fans.