What Happened to Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.?
Damian Lillard, a nine-time NBA All-Star and the Portland Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer, spent over a decade as the face of the Blazers before requesting a trade in 2023 to pursue a championship. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where injuries hampered his tenure, leading to him being waived in 2025 and subsequently re-signing with the Trail Blazers, where he is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and aiming to return for the 2026-27 season.
Quick Answer
Damian Lillard is currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, having re-signed with his original team in July 2025 after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. He is recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon sustained in April 2025 and is expected to return to action for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Despite his injury, Lillard won his third NBA Three-Point Contest in February 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard was selected as the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wins NBA Rookie of the Year
Lillard unanimously won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, becoming the fourth Trail Blazer in franchise history to do so.
First NBA All-Star Selection
Damian Lillard made his first NBA All-Star team, marking the beginning of his consistent recognition as one of the league's top guards.
Leads Blazers to Western Conference Finals
Lillard led the Portland Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, showcasing his leadership and clutch play.
Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Lillard was selected as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history as part of the league's 75th Anniversary Team.
Becomes Trail Blazers' All-Time Leading Scorer
Damian Lillard surpassed Clyde Drexler to become the Portland Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer.
Requests Trade from Portland Trail Blazers
After years of loyalty, Lillard publicly requested a trade from the Trail Blazers, seeking to join a championship contender.
Traded to Milwaukee Bucks
Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns, ending his 11-year tenure with Portland.
Wins NBA All-Star Game MVP
In his first season with the Bucks, Lillard was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP.
Suffers Torn Left Achilles Tendon
During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the postseason.
Waived by Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks waived Damian Lillard to create cap space, ending his two-season stint with the team.
Re-signs with Portland Trail Blazers
Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, his original team.
Becomes Weber State General Manager
While recovering from his Achilles injury, Lillard took on the role of general manager for his alma mater, Weber State, to mentor players and enhance the program.
Wins Third NBA Three-Point Contest
Despite recovering from injury, Lillard participated in and won his third NBA Three-Point Contest during the 2026 All-Star Weekend, tying the record for most wins.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded from Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks, a move that further enhances the value of the draft assets the Blazers received in the Lillard trade.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Damian Lillard's NBA journey began in 2012 when he was drafted 6th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, quickly establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone and one of the league's most dynamic point guards. Over 11 seasons, he earned multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and became the Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer, known for his clutch performances dubbed 'Dame Time.' Despite his individual brilliance, the Blazers struggled to build a consistent championship contender around him, leading to growing frustration.
In July 2023, Lillard publicly requested a trade, signaling his desire to join a team with immediate championship aspirations. After a prolonged trade saga, he was ultimately moved to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team blockbuster deal in September 2023, joining forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The move was intended to create a formidable duo capable of contending for an NBA title.
However, Lillard's tenure with the Bucks was marred by injuries and a perceived dip in performance. In March 2025, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, missing the remainder of the regular season. He returned for the playoffs but suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in April 2025 during a series against the Indiana Pacers, which the Bucks lost. This injury, coupled with the team's early playoff exits, led to the Bucks waiving Lillard in July 2025 to create cap space.
Following his release, Lillard made a surprising return to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year, $42 million deal in July 2025. This move brought him back to the team where he spent the majority of his career, albeit in a different context. While recovering from his Achilles surgery, Lillard took on the role of general manager for his alma mater, Weber State, in August 2025, demonstrating his continued involvement in basketball beyond playing.
As of June 23, 2026, Damian Lillard is still recovering from his torn Achilles tendon. He is not expected to play during the 2025-26 season but is targeting a return for the 2026-27 campaign. Despite his injury setback, Lillard showcased his shooting prowess by winning his third NBA Three-Point Contest title during the 2026 All-Star Weekend. Recent reports also indicate that his 2024 divorce significantly impacted his performance during his time in Milwaukee. The recent trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks in June 2026 has further highlighted the long-term benefits for the Blazers from the initial Lillard trade, as Portland holds valuable draft picks from Milwaukee.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr. made different choices?