Damian Lillard is returning home after he signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers this past week. But he won’t be taking the court any time soon while rehabbing a torn Achilles, and will be receiving hefty payouts from two different teams as he watches from the sidelines. The $70 million that he’ll earn will make him the highest paid player in the NBA next season.
Lillard Will Be Highest Paid NBA Player, By A Long Shot
In order to be waived from the Milwaukee Bucks roster, Lillard took a buyout on his contract. There were two years and $113 million remaining on his deal, making it the biggest buyout in league history, one that will pay out $56.5 million in 2025-26.
That number alone would make him one of the top earners in the NBA for the upcoming season, and he is now taking on an extra $14 million by way of his contract with Portland.
BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old. pic.twitter.com/mm1uUtMgO6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 17, 2025
Lillard and the Trail Blazers agreed on a three-year, $42 million deal last week. The annual value means that the 35-year-old will earn a total payday north of $70 million for the 2025-26 campaign, which puts him atop the list when it comes to the biggest moneymakers in the league.
And it isn’t just a slight lead that he has on the rest of the competition. Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry was slated to be the highest-earning NBA player, with a payout of nearly $60 million coming his way. Lillard’s total is more than $10 million higher. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s massive new deal will eventually pay him out $70 million annually, but that figure won’t kick in until 2029-30. Lillard hit that mark five years ahead of SGA.
RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/x3jnZr1s0G
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025
Damian Lillard spent his first 11 seasons as a member of the Trail Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee. In his two years with the Bucks, he averaged 24.6 points per game, and he earned All-Star honors both times. He is one of the most revered players in the history of Portland’s basketball team, though he is still looking for his first elusive NBA championship.
The Trail Blazers are expecting Lillard to be fully healthy for the 2026-27 season.
