Because the Bucks decided to waive Lillard and use the stretch provision to open up cap space, Lillard had the chance to go wherever he wanted. An unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, he chose to go home. He'll join the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

“Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote Thursday. “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.”

Lillard signed a three-year deal reportedly worth $42 million to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team announced Saturday. Lillard, 35, was the sixth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers and spent 11 seasons with Portland before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks just before the 2023-24 season.