NBA Rumors: Trail Blazers Star Staying In Portland Until 2027

The fate of Damian Lillard is almost done with reports that the 31-year-old guard is nearing a deal that would keep him in Portland until the 2026-27 NBA season.

In an update from Shams Charania of The Athletic, citing sources, the six-time All-Star will reportedly agree to a two-year max extension worth roughly around $270 million.

Once official, Lillard will become one of the top earners with an estimated $451 million in salaries in NBA history.

But looking at the numbers, the $120 million is reportedly just an estimate. The final numbers on Lillard’s contract will still depend on the salary cap of the Trail Blazers. However, the amount cannot be lower than $106 million.

Additionally, the final year of the said deal for Lillard includes a player option. The 6-foot-2 guard will already be 35 years old by that time. Hence depending on his health and performance, it would be best to keep a close eye on that.

Lillard was hardly felt last NBA season, no thanks to a chronic abdominal injury. He was limited to only 29 games and underwent surgery.

The Blazers also started their rebuilding phase, parting ways with players such as CJ McCollum.

However, Portland did bring in some new faces to the mix. That includes Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons and Gary Payton II from the 2022 NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Also set to return for the Trail Blazers are Afernee Simmons and Jusuf Nurkic.

Although formidable, it remains to be seen if the revamp would be enough to compete in a stacked Western Conference. More moves could be forthcoming and there could be additional free agents getting signed by Portland.

The only thing certain at this point is the Trail Blazers will still have their perennial All-Star guard back in the next couple of years.