Damian Lillard Rejoins the Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard is set to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year contract worth $42 million, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This move comes on the heels of his unexpected release by the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA’s free agency period.
Injury Struggles and Release from the Bucks
Lillard’s exit from Milwaukee was influenced by his prolonged recovery from significant injuries that hampered him throughout the previous season, during which he only participated in 58 games.
Last season, Lillard struggled with hamstring, groin, and calf issues, culminating in a medical emergency when a blood clot was identified in his right calf near the end of the regular season. Despite these setbacks, he showcased his elite skills by averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds when healthy.
His comeback attempt during the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers was cut short when he suffered a ruptured left Achilles in Game 4, leading to a premature end to his season and the Bucks’ playoff run, which concluded in a five-game elimination.
Future Prospects and Team Interest
With an extensive rehabilitation ahead of him, the Bucks decided to part ways with Lillard in July, despite still owing him $113 million, which they can amortize over the coming seasons to help manage their salary cap. Following the announcement of his release, various teams, such as the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers, expressed interest in acquiring Lillard, highlighting his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier players.
A Remarkable Career
At 34 years of age, Lillard’s journey in the league has been remarkable; he began his career with a Rookie of the Year title in the 2012-13 season, earned nine selections to the All-Star team, and made seven All-NBA rosters, in addition to finishing in the top 10 for MVP voting five times.
Despite the recent injuries that cast uncertainty on his future performance, Lillard aims to prove that he can still contribute significantly on the court, particularly after his surprising exit from the Bucks. The Trail Blazers are optimistic that he will reestablish himself as a top scorer in the league, even as he faces a challenging rehabilitation period.
