Rumors

Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Lillard's deal includes a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. Lillard joins the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James as the only NBA players with a true no-trade clause in their contracts.

ESPN

Shams Charania: Damian Lillard now will have a 2025-26 set salary of $70M between his Portland and Milwaukee deals, and a salary of $141M over the next two years ahead of an opt-out in 2027. Blazers officials and Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management are finalizing terms this week.

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Chris Haynes: BREAKING: Free agent star Damian Lillard is close to reaching an agreement to return to the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year deal with a player option, league sources tell me.

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Shams Charania: BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old.

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This offseason, the Timberwolves reached a deal to bring back Naz Reid and Randle before free agency began on June 30 but elected not to sign reserve Alexander-Walker. A new contract for the guard would have put the Timberwolves over the second apron once again. They are currently $5.9 million below the threshold. "What the apron rules do to teams is force you to prioritize what players to retain and also put a greater emphasis on your former draft picks to play a greater role," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN.

ESPN

Lev Akabas: Steph Curry was the highest-paid NBA player last season, including both salary and endorsement earnings, per @sportico.bsky.social . He made >$150 million 💰 Before Curry, the last player to earn more than LeBron in a season was Kobe Bryant in 2012-13

bsky.app

Bobby Marks: With Bradley Beal being waived, LeBron James is the only player in the NBA with a true no trade clause. Eligibility: 8 years in the NBA and 4 years with the current team A player is not allowed to add a NTC in an extension.

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Shams Charania: The Milwaukee Bucks are re-signing forward Chris Livingston on a fully guaranteed one-year, $2.3 million deal, Rich Paul and Brandon Cavanaugh of Klutch Sports tell ESPN. Livingston, the 58th pick in the 2023 NBA draft, receives a third consecutive year on a guaranteed contract.

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Shams Charania: Livingston's progress this month in summer league for the Bucks helps him land a new deal -- 20 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field and 37.5% from 3.

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Shams Charania: BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and plans to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option after clearing waivers, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports told ESPN.

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Shams Charania: This now gives the Suns increased team-building flexibility by taking them out of the first and second aprons, providing access to more tradeable draft picks in the future, and opening up part of the mid-level exception to utilize.

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Zion Williamson’s contract has been the topic of discussion since the details were made public. The Pelicans were afforded a number of protections over the duration of the deal, but Williamson retained the ability to guarantee his money through various avenues. Based on language in Williamson’s contract, if the Pelicans did not request waivers on or by July 15, 2025, 100% of the Base Compensation would be protected. League sources indicate Williamson’s salary will become fully guaranteed for the 2025-26 Season.

In the NO

As of today, the subsequent 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons are fully non-guaranteed. Williamson can earn back money through the following avenues. 20% if Player satisfies the Weigh-In Criteria during the 2025-26 Season; 40% if Player satisfies the 41 Games Played Criteria during the 2025-26 Season; 20% if Player satisfies the 51 Games Played Criteria during the 2025-26 Season; and 20% if Player satisfies the 61 Games Played Criteria during the 2025-26 Season:

In the NO

Michael Scotto: Update: Cole Anthony gave back $2 million in his buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, who will pay him $3.7 million each of the next three seasons, league sources told @hoopshype .

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