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Offseason | NBA Week 26

Deal being finalized to return Damian Lillard to Trail Blazers

Thu Jul 17 5:54pm ET
Field Level Media

Nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, ESPN reported on Thursday.

Per ESPN, Lillard now will receive a salary of $70 million between his existing deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and his new contract with the Trail Blazers. He also will have a player-option in 2027 and a no-trade clause in a deal that returns Lillard to the franchise with which he spent his first 11 NBA seasons.

Lillard, who turned 35 on Tuesday, saw his season come to an abrupt end on April 27 after an excruciating torn left Achilles tendon knocked him out of the rest of the playoffs.

He is expected to miss the 2025-26 season.


Lillard was hurt in the first quarter of the Bucks' 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series in just his third game back after dealing with a blood clot in his right calf. He missed the final 14 games of the regular season and the first contest of the playoff series against the Pacers.

Lillard requested a trade out of Portland in the summer of 20xx and the team obliged. The Trail Blazers were entering a transition into a rebuild and Lillard wanted to go to a team in which he could compete for a championship.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 regular-season games during his second season with the Bucks. He was waived by Milwaukee on July 7.

Lillard owns career averages of 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 900 regular-season contests. His 2,804 3-pointers rank fourth in NBA history and his 22,598 points rank eighth among active players.

Player Notes
Trey Jemison Mon Jul 21 4:40pm

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports that the Los Angeles Lakers waived centerTrey Jemison III on Monday. Jemison agreed to a two-way deal with the Lakers in January after the Pelicans waived him. The 25-year-old saw action in 38 games between Los Angeles and New Orleansduring the 2024-25 regular season, averaging 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds across 10.3 minutes per contest. If Jemison finds a new home, come training camp, he will not be a player who makes an impact in fantasy during the upcoming season.

Christian Koloko Mon Jul 21 4:20pm

The Los Angeles Lakers are planning to sign center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract on Monday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. During the 2024-25 regular season, the 7-footer saw action in 37 games, averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds across 9.2 minutes per contest. For the foreseeable future, Koloko will likely continue to see a limited amount of minutes at center with Deandre AytonandJaxson Hayes in the mix.

Doug McDermott Mon Jul 21 4:00pm

On Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports that free agent forward Doug McDermott has agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal to return to the Sacramento Kings. The 2025-26 campaign will be McDermott's 12th season in the NBA. The veteran sharpshooter shot 44 percent from beyond the arc last season. However, he averaged only 3.5 points across 8.1 minutes per game in 42 contests. He will likely once again see limited action with a crowded Kings frontcourt that includes DeMar DeRozanandKeegan Murray.

Chris Paul Mon Jul 21 3:40pm

According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, free agent guard Chris Paul has reached an agreement to return to the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year, $3.6 million deal on Tuesday. The future Hall of Famer is once again on the Clippers roster, having previously spent six seasons with the franchise. Paul has since played forthe Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs. Last season with the Spurs, the 40-year-old saw action in all 82 regular-season contests, posting averages of 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals across 28 minutes per contest. Paul appears to have some gas left in the tank, and he could have more than a few strong fantasy showings during the 2025-26 season, suiting up alongside veterans Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

Yuki Kawamura Sun Jul 20 3:50pm

The Chicago Bulls have signed guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way deal over the weekend. This doesn't come as a shock given how well Kawamura has been playing in the summer league. In five summer league contests, Kawamura averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 23.9 minutes per game. The 24-year-old saw limited action during his rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies last year. He averaged 1.6 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 4.2 minutes per game in 22 games. Honestly, it wasn't enough playing time to give Kawamura a fair assessment. It's unclear how much he'll actually play in Chicago, but he has earned a chance to show what he can do.

Marcus Smart Sun Jul 20 3:40pm

According to Shams Charania, guard Marcus Smart is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a buyout with the Washington Wizards. The two sides are reportedly set to agree on a two-year, $11 million deal that includes a player option for the 2026 season. Smart has spent most of his career with the Boston Celtics. However, he spent each of the last two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. He saw his numbers take a dip in 2024, but a move to a competitive Lakers roster should help his fantasy value. Smart is a solid player on both sides of the ball and has a clear path to playing time in Los Angeles. There should certainly be daily fantasy value from Smart this upcoming season, assuming he does join the Lakers.

Shake Milton Sun Jul 20 3:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers guard Shake Milton was waived by the organization on Sunday. The Lakers were forced to make a decision with Milton's $3 million salary set to be guaranteed on Sunday. Now, Milton becomes a cap casualty as the Lakers clear some space to likely add Marcus Smart. Last season, Milton averaged 5.5 points and 1.8 assists across 14.7 minutes in 57 games between the Lakers and Nets. Milton figures to draw some interest once he clears waivers. He's a solid rotational player that could help a number of teams, but is unlikely to have daily fantasy value.

Chris Paul Sun Jul 20 11:20am

According to Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, the team is reportedly contemplating signing free-agent guard Chris Paul. "What I'd say about Chris is he's a great player," said Frank. "He's a great Clipper. Of course, we're strongly considering him." The 40-year-old has been in the National Basketball Association for two decades. Throughout his time in the league, he's suited up for the Pelicans, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs. Paul also spent time with the Clippers, where he arguably had the best stretch of his career. Paul, who averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals with San Antonio in 2024, appears to have some gas left in the tank. While he could have more than a few strong fantasy showings during the 2025 campaign, his All-Star days are presumably well behind him. That won't change regardless of where he signs this offseason.

Josh Giddey Sun Jul 20 11:10am

Restricted free-agent guard Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls remain far apart on a new, long-term contract. The 2021 No. 6 overall pick is seeking around $30 million annually. Yet, the Bulls are looking to retain him at roughly $20 million per year. Giddey spent his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to Chicago in the deal for Alex Caruso. Giddey played well in 2024, appearing in 70 games while averaging 14.6 points. He also amassed career-highs in rebounds (8.1), assists (7.2), steals (1.2), and three-point shooting (37.8%). The Bulls need to get this situation sorted out or things may take a turn for the worse. With that in mind, Giddey's fantasy value may be at its highest in Chicago, where he's expected to stay the No. 1 option offensively, giving him All-Star upside for fantasy managers for years to come. However, that could change if he ends up going elsewhere.

Jonathan Kuminga Sun Jul 20 10:50am

Restricted free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga remains without a new contract. The 22-year-old received an offer sheet from the Golden State Warriors a few weeks ago. However, he's seeking a long-term deal that pays him roughly $25 million per year. Kuminga's agent has had conversations with Dubs' officials in Las Vegas during Summer League, although it's unknown how productive talks were. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 47 games, a career-low, mostly due to a sprained right ankle. Kuminga also struggled shooting the ball, going 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from deep. It appears the Warriors aren't looking to keep the 2021 No. 7 overall pick on the roster, at least at that price tag. If anything, he may begin the 2025 campaign with Golden State and potentially be traded later on. With that in mind, Kuminga may benefit from a fresh start with a new club, especially if he suits up for a team where he'll get more chances on the offensive end and consistent playing time.

Damian Lillard Thu Jul 17 5:20pm

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, spent 11 seasons with the Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee in September 2023. Unfortunately, he wasn't nearly as productive with the Bucks, most recently averaging 24.9 points throughout the 2024 campaign, 7.3 points fewer than he has in his final year in Portland. Lillard also battled numerous health issues last season, including a blood clot in his calf and a torn Achilles sustained during the postseason. After the Bucks waived him this offseason, it was reported Lillard wasn't in a rush to sign with a team. However, he will now rehab before once again suiting up for the Blazers, where he'll have a chance to revive his career.

Brooks Barnhizer Thu Jul 17 1:40pm

On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Brooks Barnhizer logged 19 points (8-of-12 on field goals, 3-of-6 on free throws), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks during a 95-81 Summer League win over New Orleans Pelicans. The 23-year-old had a team-high nine boards and 19 points across 24 minutes. Drafted 44th in the NBA Draft last month, Barnhizer has impressed at Summer League, posting averages of 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 25.3 minutes over the previous four contests in Vegas.

Isaiah Collier Thu Jul 17 12:30pm

Utah Jazz guardIsaiah Colliercollected 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals across 32 minutes in a 86-76 Summer League win over the Wizards on Wednesday. Collier continues to produce during Summer League as he posted a double-double in Monday's matchup against the Spurs. The 29th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will look to battle for an expanded role on a young Jazz team after averaging 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists across 71 contests during the 2024-25 campaign.

Caleb Houstan Thu Jul 17 12:20pm

According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, free agent guard/forward Caleb Houstan and the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday. Houstan landed on the open market after the Magic declined his team option. Last season, the 22-year-old averaged 4.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per contest across 58 games. After the All-Star break, he shot 50.7 percent from beyond the arc. He could grab a regular role at the bottom of the Hawks' rotation, but he will likely not make an impact in fantasy during the upcoming season.

AJ Johnson Thu Jul 17 11:50am

Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson finished with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists across 35 minutes in an 86-76 Summer League loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Johnson has strung together two impressive outings after collecting 20 points during Tuesday's Summer League action against the 76ers. This upcoming NBA season will be Johnson's second, and at 20 years old, he will likely struggle to establish a regular spot in the Wizards' rotation.

Leaky Black Thu Jul 17 11:20am

Washington Wizards forward Leaky Black finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and two steals in over 33 minutes in an 86-76 win over the Jazz during Summer League action on Wednesday. Black's 11 rebounds and four blocks were game highs in the contest. Despite a solid Summer League outing, the 26-year-old is not a player that should be on fantasy managers' radar. He hasn't played in an NBA game since the 2023-24 regular season.

Johni Broome Thu Jul 17 8:40am

Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Johni Broome posted a second consecutive double-double in the Las Vegas Summer League on Wednesday, racking up 22 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in a 90-82 triumph against the Dallas Mavericks. The second-round pick from Auburn was a bit quiet in his first few Summer League outings, but he has now demonstrated his full potential in the past two games. By picking up Broome, Philadelphia has boosted its frontcourt depth behind the injury-prone Joel Embiid, and he could become a valuable contributor for the team.

Jahmir Young Thu Jul 17 8:30am

Chicago Bulls guard Jahmir Young put on a show in Wednesday's Summer League clash against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 40 points on 13-for-18 shooting in a 102-96 victory. It marks the most points ever a Bulls player has scored in the Summer League, and it's also the highest scoring tally during this year's tournament in Las Vegas. Young was unconscious from downtown, going 7-for-8, and finished 7-for-9 at the charity stripe. His work included one rebound, three assists, and two steals. As an undrafted rookie, Young made only five appearances for the Bulls last season, but he could be in line for more work in 2025-26 since the Bulls' backcourt is now a bit thinner following Lonzo Ball's departure.

Tyrese Proctor Thu Jul 17 8:10am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor scored a whopping 40 percent of his team's points in Wednesday's Summer League encounter with the Sacramento Kings, finishing a 94-86 loss with 35 points on 11-for-24 shooting. Proctor's efficiency wasn't great, but he went 9-for-9 at the free-throw line and dropped four three-point bombs with 11 attempts. The 21-year-old from Australia wrapped things up with three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Across his previous three Summer League outings, Proctor had managed only 34 total points. This was an impressive effort from the Duke product, but we will probably see only glimpses of him in the stacked Cavaliers backcourt during the 2025-26 regular season.

Cody Williams Thu Jul 17 8:00am

Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams posted a team-high 23 points in Wednesday's 86-76 Summer League victory against the Washington Wizards, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 3-for-6 from downtown. He also did his part defensively by picking up a pair of steals and finished his line with two rebounds and two assists. Williams had a slow start to Summer League action in Salt Lake City, averaging 11.7 points, but he's been sharp with his play in Las Vegas. With four games played, Williams has notched 20-plus points three times. The 20-year-old is working hard to prove himself enough to secure a regular spot in the Jazz rotation for his sophomore season.


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