NBA Fans react as Damian Lillard signs mammoth $122M contract extension with Trail Blazers
Earlier this week, Damian Lillard reached a two-year, $122 million deal agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers that would keep him with the team through at least 2026.
Lillard, 31, still demonstrates his devotion to the team that selected him in the 2012 draught, and his new contract includes a player option for the 2026–27 campaign. According to Shams Charania, Lillard’s new contract brings his total career earnings to $451 million, making him one of the most significant earners in the history of the NBA. After undergoing stomach surgery for an ailment that held him out for the bulk of last season, Lillard claimed he felt fantastic while watching the Blazers play in a Summer League game in Las Vegas on Friday.
Lillard declared, “I feel fantastic. It was one thing that bothered me for the past 4.5 years. “Last season, it is evident that I was a step sluggish and sometimes uneasy, but I wanted to push through it. Although I never wanted to play, I realized I needed to play the game more carefully. I had a meeting with several experts and needed surgery.
The recurring theme in Lillard’s career is that he needs an elite player to play with him to win a championship. Last year saw the end of his relationship with CJ McCollum, and a developing Anfernee Simmons is not enough to help Lillard lead Portland to victory.
The Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are close to a new deal — expected to be a maximum two years and $120M — sources tell @ShamsCharania.
The new deal would take Lillard’s contract through the 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/N2Pgp5Bd7X
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 8, 2022
Lillard wants to win a ring the “proper way,” and he attempts to convince Kevin Durant to join him. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship rather than joining a superteam illustrates the “proper way” to do things.
Lillard has had several chances to leave the Trail Blazers and sign with players like LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard, but he has never abandoned the Pacific Northwest team. Even if Portland never wins a championship, his commitment will have at least resulted in financial rewards.
NBA fans react to Damian Lillard’s contract extension with Portland Trail Blazers:
Much respect to Dame! We all agree! #23🐐
— AngelR (@bklynang31) July 10, 2022
I love this dude. @Dame_Lillard is a real one man. I’m a @trailblazers fan and want nothing more than to celebrate a title for #RipCity but I almost want it more for Dame than any other person or Portland itself. His loyalty & dedication I hope is rewarded one day. #respect https://t.co/VojWnTITmH
— Ryan Wills (@RyWheels78) July 10, 2022
Update: Dame still isn't running from the grind 💪 pic.twitter.com/1s9cynb4IE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 9, 2022
Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers are close to a two-year maximum contract extension, per @ShamsCharania
Lillard’s new deal is expected to be a maximum two years and $120 million pic.twitter.com/8bniWwLydl
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 8, 2022
The Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are close to a two-year $120 million maximum contract extension, per @ShamsCharania
Lillard’s new deal will give him a total of 5 years and nearly $270 million on his current NBA contract pic.twitter.com/cwakrSVKnG
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 8, 2022
Lillard’s new deal will give him a total of five years and nearly $270 million on his current NBA contract. He now becomes one of the top earners – estimated $451M in salaries – in NBA history. https://t.co/cjLutaveZu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022
Shout out to Damian Lillard for wanting to win a title in Portland rather than leeching on somewhere else for an El Cheapo. That’s old school mentality. Respect. pic.twitter.com/sSBdWKsfXu
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) July 10, 2022
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