TOUCH DOWN: Warriors Eye Damian Lillard… but Dame Heads Home
When the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s contract early July, NBA fans buzzed with speculation—and the Golden State Warriors were reportedly one of the teams expressing interest . With Lillard available at a much-reduced price, Golden State explored the possibility of pairing him with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, banking on a dynamic backcourt duo—if Dame had recovered from his torn Achilles in time .
But in a storyline befitting his career arc, Lillard chose not to join the hometown Warriors. Instead, he committed to a three‑year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise that drafted him and where he spent 11 seasons . The deal includes a player option for 2027–28 and a no‑trade clause, giving him control over his future Deal Details & Financials Contract Length 3 years
Value $42 million total, ~$14 M/year
Player Option 2027–28 season included
No‑Trade Clause Full
Combined with the stretched Bucks contract, Lillard is set to earn approximately $70 million in 2025‑26 .
In his first season with the Bucks, Lillard suffered a torn Achilles during Game 4 of the first-round playoff series in late April. As a result, he’s expected to miss the entire 2025‑26 season, using that time to rehab in Portland .
Why Portland Over Golden State?
Roots & Legacy: Lillard opted for a heartfelt return to Portland, where his family resides and his legacy runs deep .
Reunion with Leadership: Front-office meetings with GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups sealed the deal, emphasizing mutual commitment .
Fan & Media Support: The move is widely seen as emotional and “romantic” across the NBA landscape .
Meanwhile, although Warriors were “in touch,” they couldn’t close the deal—Dame’s heart remained in Portland .
NBA Community Reactions
Patrick Beverley on X:
> “Dame to Portland he not wrong… i’m going back where the LOVE IS”
Marc Stein called it:
> “As an incurable basketball romantic … LOVE seeing that Dame Lillard is going back to the Blazers.”
Warriors interest: They evaluated a cost-effective path to add Lillard, but Portland ultimately won.
Lillard’s choice: Three-year, $42 M deal with the Blazers—reunion driven by legacy, family, and familiarity.
Next steps: Recovery year followed by an emotional return on the court in Portland.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of cap impacts on the Warriors or what this means for Portland’s rebuild!
