Photo: Peter Baba

The Trail Blazers didn’t just bring back a franchise icon – they did so using their full $14.1 million mid-level exception, a sign of Damian Lillard’s buy-in to something bigger than money.

According to Hoops Rumors, the contract is structured strategically: Year one at $14.1 million, year two slightly lower at $13.4 million, and a player option in year three for another $14.1 million.

For a player of Lillard’s caliber – one who’s earned All-NBA honors and been the face of the franchise – this is a team-friendly contract. It allows flexibility for Portland’s front office while rewarding a veteran who wants to be there for the right reasons.

Lillard has played 13 seasons for the Trail Blazers and Bucks. He has averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 900 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 9 All-Star games, and has won the Rookie of the Year award.

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