Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers Nearing Extension

Via USA Today Sports

The Portland Trail Blazers and star point guard Damian Lilllard are nearing a massive contract extension, per sources. It has been reported that the deal is around five years and worth $120 million dollars. If both sides officially agree on the extension, the deal will commence during the 2016-17 season.

The exact amount that Lillard will receive is not definite, as it depends on the salary cap for the 2016 season.

The Trail Blazers drafted Lillard back in 2012, when they selected him with the sixth overall pick out of Weber State. He has shined in Portland ever since, winning the Rookie of the Year award and being named to the All Star team twice. He has also led the Blazers to the playoffs the past two years.

Lillard averages 21.0 points, 6.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game on his career.

The Blazers are in the middle of a busy offseason, as center LaMarcus Aldridge’s future in Portland is up in the air. Reports state that Aldridge has been meeting with several teams such as the Spurs, Knicks, Lakers and Mavericks. His return to ‘Rip City’ is very unlikely. However, they did sign former Dallas Maverick Al-Farouq Aminu to a four year tenure.

Lillard will have a young group of guys around him in the future. The Trail Blazers traded for Noah Vonleh, who missed a large amount of the season recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia. He provides insurance if Aldridge decides to leave Portland. Also, the team acquired Mason Plumlee from the Nets to compliment Robin Lopez and Vonleh.

In the long run, the Blazers have prioritized Lillard over others as their franchise player. He has exceeded expectations, and is now considered one of the elite point guards in the league.