Damian Lillard Current Team 2025-26 Season: Surprising Twist
Damian Lillard is currently signed with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2025-26 NBA season, marking his return to the franchise that drafted him after a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the 2025 playoffs, he has missed the entire regular season thus far and is not expected to play any games this year, focusing instead on rehabilitation with an estimated return in October 2026.
Contract and Injury Timeline
The Trail Blazers signed Lillard to a three-year, $42 million contract on July 19, 2025, allowing him to reunite with the team where he spent his first 11 NBA seasons. This deal came after the Bucks waived him when he suffered the Achilles injury on April 27, 2025, during a playoff game against the Indiana Pacers, ending his tenure in Milwaukee prematurely. Lillard confirmed during Portland's 2025 Media Day on September 28 that he does not plan to play in the 2025-26 season, prioritizing full recovery.
- April 27, 2025: Achilles tear in Bucks-Pacers playoff game.
- July 1, 2025: Waived by Milwaukee with $103 million left on prior contract.
- July 19, 2025: Signed with Portland Trail Blazers.
- September 28, 2025: Confirms missing 2025-26 season.
- February 14, 2026: Wins NBA Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend despite no games played.
Despite his on-court absence, Lillard remains an influential figure in the Blazers' locker room, mentoring young talents like Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija while the team ranks 28th in three-point percentage this season.
Career Achievements
Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and seven-time All-NBA selection, established himself as the Trail Blazers franchise cornerstone from 2012 to 2023, averaging 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over his career. His iconic clutch performances, including game-winners against the Thunder in 2014 and Warriors in 2019, cemented his reputation as "Dame Time".
| Season | Team | PPG | APG | 3PM | All-Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Milwaukee Bucks | 24.9 | 7.1 | 3.9 | Yes |
| 2022-23 | Portland/Milwaukee | 32.2 (led NBA) | 7.3 | 4.2 | Yes |
| 2012-13 | Portland | 19.0 | 6.5 | 2.0 | Rookie of Year |
| 2025-26 | Portland (Out) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Three-Point Champ |
Lillard holds the fourth-most three-pointers in NBA history and tied Larry Bird and Craig Hodges with his third Three-Point Contest win in 2026, even without playing. His 2022-23 scoring title underscored his elite status before the injury.
Path to Portland Reunion
Lillard's return to Portland was emotionally driven, as he sought proximity to his family after the Bucks waived him post-injury. The three-year deal, including a player option for 2027-28, serves as a "prove-it" contract valued at $41.6-$42 million, per reports. ESPN's Shams Charania noted Lillard's family priorities: "Lillard will use the 2025-26 season to rehabilitate his injury, but a return to the franchise and Portland, where his family and children reside were of the ultimate importance".
- Bucks acquire Lillard in 2023 trade from Portland for star power.
- Playoff injury ends 2024-25 season on April 27, 2025.
- Waived by Milwaukee on July 1, 2025.
- Signs with Blazers on July 19, 2025.
- Misses training camp and regular season opener on October 22, 2025.
- Estimated return: October 1, 2026.
This timeline highlights how a devastating injury reshaped Lillard's career trajectory at age 35, shifting him from contender to rebuilder.
Role in Blazers' Rebuild
Though inactive, Lillard's veteran presence aids Portland's young core, including Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija, as the team experiments in the playoff's early stages. Analysts note the Blazers rank No. 26 in guard scoring and need his playmaking upon return, potentially as a secondary handler behind Scoot Henderson. "The 2026 NBA Playoffs have already proven what Portland needs Lillard for: The exact same thing he once provided, only with less volume," per Rip City Project.
"I don't plan on it. I feel like if this team is a 1 seed [without me], they probably got it. I'm trying to be as healthy as possible." - Damian Lillard, 2025 Media Day.
Portland's offense, hampered by poor three-point shooting (28th in league), anticipates Lillard's facilitating to boost their postseason chances next year.
Statistical Impact Projection
Pre-injury, Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in 2024-25 with Milwaukee, maintaining All-Star caliber despite sharing the backcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo. For 2026-27, projections suggest a reduced role: 18-20 PPG, 6-7 APG, leveraging his 40% career three-point shooting to space the floor.
- Historical clutch stats: 47.1% FG in clutch time (top 5% NBA).
- Playoff averages: 25.7 PPG over 58 games.
- Expected 2026-27 minutes: 28-30 per game.
- Three-point titles: 2014, 2015, 2026 (most ever tied).
- Mentorship value: Guiding Scoot Henderson's 15.2 PPG rise.
These metrics position Lillard as a stabilizing force for a Blazers team eyeing playoff contention, per team analytics.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Lillard's Portland homecoming, though delayed by injury, reaffirms his loyalty to the Rip City faithful who chanted his name for over a decade. At 35, his off-court influence-evident in his All-Star Weekend triumph-ensures relevance, with February 14, 2026, marking a highlight sans court time.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rookie of the Year | 2013 | 19.0 PPG, led all rookies. |
| Scoring Title | 2022-23 | 32.2 PPG, NBA lead. |
| Achilles Injury | April 27, 2025 | Playoff exit vs. Pacers. |
| Return to Portland | July 19, 2025 | 3-yr/$42M deal. |
| 3PT Contest Win #3 | Feb 14, 2026 | Ties NBA record. |
Looking ahead, Lillard's player option for 2027-28 could extend his career if rehab succeeds, blending scoring prowess with leadership.
Portland's 2025-26 struggles without Lillard underscore his value, as they sit mid-pack in the West with guard scoring deficiencies. His eventual return could catalyze a playoff push, echoing his pre-trade dominance. Fans await "Dame Time" in Rip City once more.
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Helpful tips and tricks for Damian Lillard Current Team 2025 26 Season Surprising Twist
Is Damian Lillard playing in 2025-26?
No, Damian Lillard is sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to his Achilles injury and is rehabbing with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Why did the Bucks waive Lillard?
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard after his Achilles tear to avoid long-term salary cap commitments on his $103 million remaining contract, allowing him to sign a discounted deal elsewhere.
When will Damian Lillard return to play?
Damian Lillard's estimated return is October 1, 2026, aligning with the start of the 2026-27 NBA season after full Achilles recovery.
Has Damian Lillard won championships?
No, Damian Lillard has not won an NBA championship, though his Bucks tenure reached deep playoffs before the injury.
What is Damian Lillard's injury status?
Damian Lillard is out for 2025-26 with a torn Achilles, progressing in rehab and expected back for 2026-27.