The Portland Trail Blazers have had an intriguing offseason, highlighted by their 7’1” rookie Yang Hansen, who has been showing flashes of Nikola Jokic in Summer League. But the best news came on Thursday, as the greatest Trail Blazers player, guard Damian Lillard, re-signed for $42 million on a three-year deal.
Lillard will be out this upcoming year as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered against the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. After departing Portland to compete for a championship in Milwaukee, the team and situation never quite came together for Lillard.
According to reports, Lillard asked the Bucks to allow him to rehab closer to his family in Portland, but Milwaukee rejected the idea. This created a rift in the relationship that ultimately led to his release, with the remainder of his contract stretched out over the next three seasons.
It was an unlikely scenario few saw coming. With reported interest from his hometown team, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat, Portland surprised fans of both teams by bringing Lillard back to the franchise that helped him become a perennial All-Star.
Lillard now returns to mentor former No. 2 overall pick Scoot Henderson, who is entering his third year with many questions still lingering about his role. Portland also traded for guard Jrue Holiday, who, according to reports, has been opposed to playing for the Blazers.
While Lillard will likely not be available this season, the future of the point guard position is gaining clarity. Holiday could still be flipped for future assets or a win-now wing player, something Portland could use heading into next season. Lillard is back home, and Blazers fans couldn’t be more excited.
