The inside story of Lillard returning to Portland is revealed! Cronin makes another great contribution and aims to retire as a Trail Blazers player

On July 18, the NBA entered the offseason. According to famous reporter Shams, Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Trail Blazers. Lillard played for the Trail Blazers for 11 seasons. After two seasons away, he will now return to Portland.

After the news of Lillard signing with the Trail Blazers, famous reporters Shams and Chris Hayes quickly revealed the behind-the-scenes news of the signing. Lillard will earn $70 million in the 2025-26 season, which comes from his two contracts with the Trail Blazers and the Bucks. His total salary will be as high as $141 million over the next two years and will then have the option to break out of the contract in 2027. Currently, Trail Blazers management and its agent, Goodwin Sports Management's Aaron Goodwin is finalizing the contract details this week.

Both Lillard and the Trail Blazers have shown great sincerity for this reunion in the past few weeks. Lillard met with general manager Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups many times to build trust and jointly promote the conclusion of this new contract.

Lillard will use the 2025-26 season to recover from the Achilles tendon tear injury, but returning to the Trail Blazers and returning to Portland where his family and children are, is always the most important for him. Although he also received middle-class contracts and basic salary offers from multiple competitive teams, he eventually chose to go home. Chris Haynes, a famous reporter, confirmed Shams's statement, noting that a few weeks ago, Joe Cronin went to Lillard's home and the two settled and focused on making the contract, with the aim of giving Lillard a chance to retire as a Trail Blazers.

Finally, the Trail Blazers and Lillard reached a re-signation, the Trail Blazers regained their leader, and Lillard returned to where his dream began. What do you think of this contract? Welcome to give your comments in the comment section.