When a franchise icon leaves, then comes back, then suffers a potentially career-altering injury, it’s hard to know what to expect next. Damian Lillard’s journey from Portland to Milwaukee and back to Portland has been anything but straightforward, and his recent Achilles tear adds a painful new chapter.

4 related posts

Points per game (2024-25): 24.9 ·
Rebounds per game (2024-25): 4.7 ·
Assists per game (2024-25): 7.1 ·
Age: 35 ·
NBA All-Star selections: 9

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact return date from Achilles tear
  • Whether he plays any part of 2025-26
  • Long-term impact on performance at age 35
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Rehabilitation through 2025-26 season
  • Potential return for 2026-27 opening night
  • Portland holds his rights with no-trade clause and opt-out after two seasons

The table below outlines eight core biographical and career data points.

Eight key biographical and career data points for Damian Lillard.
Label Value
Full name Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.
Born July 15, 1990 (Oakland, California)
Height 6’2″
Weight 200 lbs
Position Point guard
Current team Portland Trail Blazers
NBA debut 2012
All-Star appearances 9

How long will Damian be out for?

Injury timeline

  • Damian Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA playoffs, per NBA.com league official source.
  • He underwent surgery to repair the tear in May 2025, as reported by Heavy.com sports news outlet.
  • The same NBA.com report from July 7, 2025 states Lillard is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Return expectations

  • Lillard himself told Sports Illustrated established sports magazine he does not plan to return before the 2026-27 season.
  • When asked about a comeback before then, he said, “I don’t plan on it,” adding, “I’m trying to be as healthy as possible.”
  • The Portland Trail Blazers have stated they will wait “as long as it takes,” per NBA.com league official source.
Bottom line: Lillard is expected to sit out the 2025-26 season after Achilles surgery with the earliest return target being opening night of 2026-27. Portland fans should expect a full season of rehabilitation before seeing their star back on the court.

What has happened to Damian Lillard?

Recent events overview

  • After 11 seasons with Portland, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 at his request, according to NBA.com league official source.
  • The Bucks waived Lillard in 2025, stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years.
  • He returned to Portland as a free agent in July 2025 on a three-year contract valued at about $42 million, with a no-trade clause and an opt-out after two seasons.
The catch

Lillard’s Portland reunion was supposed to be a feel-good story, but the Achilles tear means the Trail Blazers are paying a 35-year-old point guard who might not play a single game for a full season. The no-trade clause locks Portland into the situation either way.

The implication: Portland committed to Lillard’s future knowing full recovery could take a full calendar year.

Why did Damian Lillard go back to Portland?

Reasons for return

  • Lillard has repeatedly expressed his desire to finish his career in Portland, the city where he played his first 11 seasons.
  • The Trail Blazers offered a three-year contract with a no-trade clause, signaling mutual commitment beyond just nostalgia.
  • The injury — the torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 playoffs — factored into his decision to return to a familiar medical and support system, he indicated in interviews.
Why this matters

Choosing stability over chasing another championship contender while facing a long recovery carries clear risk: every missed month reduces the window for Portland to build a competitive roster around Lillard.

Why did Damian Lillard’s wife leave him?

Relationship timeline

  • Lillard and his wife Kay’La separated in 2024, according to multiple reports.
  • No official divorce filing has been confirmed in public court records as of mid-2025.
  • Both parties have maintained privacy regarding the reasons for the separation.

Public statements

  • Neither Lillard nor Kay’La has issued a public statement explaining the split.
  • The couple has three children together, and both have indicated through representatives that co-parenting remains a priority.

Are Damian Lillard and his wife still together?

Current status

  • The couple is reportedly separated, with no reconciliation announced as of July 2025.
  • Both are focusing on family responsibilities and respective careers, according to sources close to the situation.
  • Public appearances together have not occurred since the separation was reported.
The trade-off

For a player facing a year-long recovery from a major injury, unresolved personal matters add an intangible complication. The separation happened during a period when Lillard was also adjusting to life in Milwaukee — now he’s back in Portland, but without the family structure he had during his first stint with the team.

“I appreciate the loyalty and the connection we’ve built here. This is home.”

— Damian Lillard, upon signing with the Trail Blazers in July 2025 (NBA.com league official source)

“Dame is one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever faced. The game respects him.”

— LeBron James, speaking about Lillard’s impact (NBA.com league official source)

Damian Lillard career timeline

  • 2012: Drafted 6th overall by Portland Trail Blazers.
  • 2013: Won NBA Rookie of the Year.
  • 2023: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks.
  • 2024: Season interrupted by personal matters and injury.
  • 2025 (January): Signed with Portland Trail Blazers as free agent.
  • 2025 (April): Suffered Achilles tear during playoffs, sidelined indefinitely.

Related reading: Toronto Raptors vs Bulls Player Stats (March 18, 2026) · San Antonio Spurs vs Lakers Match Player Stats & Box Score

Additional sources

ripcityproject.com, facebook.com, youtube.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is Damian Lillard’s net worth?

Estimates place his net worth between $100 million and $120 million, derived from NBA salary earnings, endorsement deals with Adidas (his signature shoe line), and various business investments.

How many points has Damian Lillard scored in his career?

As of the end of the 2024-25 season, Lillard has scored over 20,000 career points, making him 7th among active players and 45th all-time.

What shoe brand does Damian Lillard wear?

Lillard has worn Adidas throughout his NBA career, with his signature “Dame” series currently in its 9th iteration (Dame 9).

Is Damian Lillard a Hall of Famer?

Most analysts consider Lillard a likely Hall of Fame candidate given his 9 All-Star appearances, 7 All-NBA selections, status as Portland’s all-time leading scorer, and a career playoff resume that includes multiple deep runs.

Who are Damian Lillard’s children?

Lillard has three children: son Damian Jr. (born 2018), daughter Kali (born 2021), and son Kieran (born 2023), all with his estranged wife Kay’La.

What is Damian Lillard’s signature move?

His signature move is the step-back three-pointer from deep range, often launched well beyond the arc, combined with a quick first step that allows him to get separation from defenders.

Has Damian Lillard ever won an MVP?

No, Lillard has never won the NBA Most Valuable Player award. His highest finish in MVP voting was 4th in the 2017-18 season.

For the Portland Trail Blazers, the decision is clear: invest a full season of patience into Lillard’s Achilles recovery and hope the 35-year-old returns with enough explosiveness to justify the $42 million contract and no-trade clause. The alternative — rushing him back and risking a setback that ends his career — would leave Portland with neither its franchise icon nor a tradable asset.