Damian Lillard Plans to Retire with Trail Blazers

Nine-time NBA All-Star eyes final chapter with Portland after stints with Bucks, injury recovery

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:52pm

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Damian Lillard, the nine-time NBA All-Star, has expressed his intention to finish his playing career with the Portland Trail Blazers. After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 and winning an NBA title, Lillard returned to Portland last year following a season-ending Achilles injury. Now focused on recovery, Lillard says he'll play as long as he feels he can perform at a high level, with the Trail Blazers being the team he wants to retire with.

Why it matters

Lillard's comments provide clarity on the future of one of the NBA's most recognizable stars. After over a decade with the Trail Blazers, his desire to end his career in Portland speaks to the loyalty and connection he feels with the franchise and its fans. This news also impacts the Trail Blazers' outlook, as they aim to build a contending team around Lillard for his final seasons.

The details

Lillard was traded from the Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, where he won an NBA title but also suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs. After being waived by the Bucks, Lillard signed a new deal to return to Portland last summer. This season, he has not played in regular season games as he focuses on recovering from the injury. However, Lillard did recently win his third NBA Three-Point Contest title during All-Star Weekend.

  • In 2023, Lillard was traded from the Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Lillard won an NBA title with the Bucks in 2023 but suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs.
  • Lillard was waived by the Bucks last summer and signed a new deal to return to the Trail Blazers.
  • This season, Lillard has not played in regular season games as he focuses on recovering from the Achilles injury.
  • Lillard recently won his third NBA Three-Point Contest title during the 2026 All-Star Weekend.

The players

Damian Lillard

A nine-time NBA All-Star who has played the majority of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, with a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-2024.

Deni Avdija

The 25-year-old Trail Blazers player who earned his first career All-Star selection this season, averaging 24.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever it does end, that's definitely my plan, is to be playing for the Trail Blazers in my last game of my career. I don't have a timeline. I just know that I'll play as long as I feel in my heart that I can do the things that I do. The moment that I can't do what I do, there will be no reason for me to continue to do it.”

— Damian Lillard (Casino.co)

What’s next

The Trail Blazers will look to build a contending team around Lillard for his final seasons, with the hope of making a deep playoff run. Lillard's recovery from the Achilles injury will also be a key focus as he aims to return to the court next season.

The takeaway

Damian Lillard's commitment to finishing his NBA career with the Trail Blazers speaks to the strong bond he has developed with the franchise and its fans over the past decade. His desire to retire in Portland underscores the importance of loyalty and continuity in professional sports, even as players often change teams throughout their careers.