Damian Lillard shocked many when he decided to return to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday… but it’s not because he had a lack of options.
The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves were among teams who had an offer on the table before being rebuffed by the superstar sharpshooter, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Lillard’s primary focus this offseason was being closer to his three children, according to Charania.
It’s not like he’ll be hurting for cash, though.
Lillard reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with his one-time-but-no-longer-former club, which will carry a total value of $42 million, has a no-trade clause and includes a player option in 2027-28. Charania also noted that he’ll have a second revenue stream fattening his wallet.
“Boston, Minnesota, dozens of other teams had mid-level exception offers out to Damian Lillard in the last several weeks,” Charania said on ESPN, as transcribed by Gio Rivera. “… Lillard will make $70 million between his Bucks and Blazers salaries (in 2025-26). In two years, he’ll be at $140 million in combined salaries.”
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Not bad for a dude who likely won’t play a single minute…