Star point guard Damien Lillard has agreed to a two-year, $ 122 million contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers that will keep him attached to the franchise until the 2026-27 season, sources said. ESPN’s Spears and Bobby Marks.
A source told Spears that Lillard is expected to sign his contract in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Lillard’s current contract, signed two years ago, runs into the 2024-25 season. The six-time All-Star has earned $ 154 million as a franchise player over the past decade, and the new money will add more than $ 270 million to his earnings with the team.
He played 29 games last season before having to undergo abdominal surgery in mid-January, an injury he had been dealing with for several years. Lillard averaged 24 points and 7.3 assists but the injury reduced his career by 40%.
Lillard told ESPN in a television interview Friday morning that time – while frustrating – should help him in the long run.
“My body is stronger than ever in some areas,” Lillard said while watching a game in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Lillard, who turned 32 on July 15, said physical rest as well as mental rest is helpful.
The Blazers, ranked 27-55 and 13th in the Western Conference, are aiming for a quick rebuild around Lillard’s return. Two weeks ago, he hit a trade for forward Jeremy Grant, who played with Lillard at Team USA last summer, and drafted a promising potential Shaden Sharp with a 7th overall pick.
Information from the Associated Press was included in the report.