What Happened to Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.?
Damian Lillard, a prolific NBA point guard, spent over a decade as the face of the Portland Trail Blazers before a highly publicized trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. After two seasons with the Bucks, which included an NBA Cup victory and an All-Star Game MVP, he suffered a torn Achilles in the 2025 playoffs, leading to his release and subsequent return to the Portland Trail Blazers in July 2025. He missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering and is expected to return to play for the Blazers in the 2026-27 season.
Quick Answer
Damian Lillard currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, having rejoined them in July 2025 after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks due to a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 playoffs. He missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season for recovery but has since resumed playing 5-on-5 basketball and is expected to make his return to the court for the Blazers in the 2026-27 season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Oakland, California
Damian Lillard was born in Oakland, California.
Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard was selected as the 6th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Named NBA Rookie of the Year
After an impressive debut season, Damian Lillard was unanimously named the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Signed First Major Extension with Blazers
Lillard signed a 5-year, $139.8 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.
First All-NBA First Team Selection
Damian Lillard earned his first selection to the All-NBA First Team, recognizing him as one of the league's top players.
Signed Supermax Extension with Blazers
Lillard signed a 4-year, $176 million supermax extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Lillard won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Scored Career-High 71 Points
Lillard achieved a career-high 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets, setting a franchise record.
Traded to Milwaukee Bucks
After requesting a trade, Damian Lillard was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal, ending his 11-year tenure in Portland.
NBA All-Star Game MVP and NBA Cup Champion
In his first season with the Bucks, Lillard won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award and helped Milwaukee win the inaugural NBA Cup.
Suffered Torn Achilles Injury
Damian Lillard sustained a torn Achilles tendon during the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff run, ending his season.
Waived by Bucks, Rejoined Trail Blazers
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Lillard to free up cap space. He subsequently signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Confirmed to Miss 2025-26 Season
Lillard announced he would miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season to fully recover from his Achilles injury.
Won Third NBA Three-Point Contest
Despite being injured, Lillard participated in and won his third NBA Three-Point Contest during the All-Star Weekend, tying an NBA record.
Resumed 5-on-5 Basketball
Lillard began playing 5-on-5 pickup games, indicating significant progress in his Achilles rehabilitation.
Expected Return for 2026-27 Season
As of today, Lillard is on track to return to the Portland Trail Blazers for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Damian Lillard's NBA career began in 2012 when he was drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic point guard and earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2013. He became a franchise icon, known for his clutch performances and deep-range shooting, earning multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections. A significant turning point came in February 2023 when he scored a career-high 71 points against the Houston Rockets, showcasing his enduring offensive prowess.
Despite his individual brilliance, the Trail Blazers struggled to build a consistent championship contender around him. This led Lillard to request a trade in July 2023, seeking an opportunity to compete for an NBA title. After a prolonged trade saga, he was ultimately moved to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster three-team deal in September 2023, joining forces with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
His tenure with the Bucks saw immediate success, as he was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2024 and helped lead the team to an NBA Cup victory in the same year. However, his time in Milwaukee was cut short when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs. This severe injury led the Bucks to waive him in July 2025 to create cap space, notably to sign Myles Turner.
Following his release from Milwaukee, Lillard made a highly anticipated return to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, $42 million deal in July 2025. This move allowed him to return to the team where he spent the majority of his career and where he held a no-trade clause due to his long tenure. He spent the entire 2025-26 season rehabilitating his Achilles injury, confirming in September 2025 that he would not play that season.
As of June 23, 2026, Damian Lillard is continuing his recovery from the Achilles injury. He resumed playing 5-on-5 pickup games in April 2026, a positive sign for his rehabilitation. He is expected to be fully ready to return to action for the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, where he will look to continue his Hall of Fame-bound career with his original franchise.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr. made different choices?