The pioneer is sincere and cousin returns to his old land

Since the opening of the free market, there are not many big fish in the market. Lillard has also entered the market after being cut by the Bucks with extended terms.

Then when the media began to predict where Lillard would eventually belong, many teams including the Warriors, Celtics, Heat, Thunder expressed interest in Lillard. Sources from

ESPN revealed that nine-time NBA All-Star Lillard is about to complete a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. This contract is expected to include player options and non-tradeable terms for the 2027-28 season.

Previously, after Lillard's Achilles tendon lacerated, the Bucks were defeated 1-4 by the Pacers in the first round. After the season, in order to retain Antetokounmpo, the Bucks began a series of operations. In order to sign Turner, the Bucks had to choose to cut Lillard to expand their salary space.

Lillard is currently in the recovery stage of injury with a ruptured Achilles tendon. He suffered an injury in the playoffs in April and is expected to take at least 10 months to complete his comeback. According to expert evaluation, if Lillard can recover to 80% of his peak state, his key goal ability in the playoffs will still be worth 20 million yuan annual salary! Lillard will now receive a fixed salary of $70 million in the 2025-26 season through the Trail Blazers and Bucks contract, and will reach a total salary of $141 million in the next two years ahead of the 2027 player option.

In the past few weeks, Lillard has met with Trail Blazers general manager Cronin and head coach Billups to build trust and jointly promote the conclusion of this new contract. Cronin made a special trip to Lillard's home, and the two had a long talk. Both sides focused on promoting the contract, with the purpose of giving Lillard the opportunity to retire as a Trail Blazer. After the news came out, the US media showed Lillard's classic career moment at the Trail Blazers and wrote: Portland GOAT is back!