Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is already setting the stage for next year’s Three-Point Contest, sharing a screenshot with ESPN Monday showing conversations with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. Lillard is recruiting elite shooters including Curry, Klay Thompson, and Devin Booker for All-Star weekend in Phoenix.
“Next year … me, you, Klay, Book, and 4 more real shooters …” Lillard’s message reads, with Curry replying, “Yessir I’m in.” Curry added that Thompson and Booker would likely join if invited.
Lillard captured the 2026 Three-Point Contest title with a 29-point final round, narrowly beating Booker, who finished second with 27 points. Kon Knueppel also competed but trailed the leaders.
The veteran guard has not played this season while recovering from a torn Achilles sustained during the 2025 playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard expressed gratitude to the NBA for allowing him to participate despite his injury.
With All-Star weekend shifting to Phoenix in 2027, Lillard’s initiative suggests the contest will feature a highly competitive field of sharpshooters. Curry and Thompson, both multiple-time contest winners, are expected to be central figures.
Booker’s inclusion would mark another appearance after finishing second this year, while Lillard’s outreach indicates a broader push to make the event a showcase for the league’s top perimeter talent.
The 2025–26 season has seen Lillard focus entirely on rehabilitation, while top shooters across the league continue to post high-volume scoring and shooting percentages. Curry’s Warriors and Booker’s Suns remain playoff contenders, positioning them for a marquee All-Star weekend showing.
