Lillard is coming off an injury-riddled season in which he played in just 29 games, the fewest of his career. Last season he averaged 24 points and 7.3 assists in 36.4 minutes per game. He underwent abdominal surgery for a lingering injury and was sidelined as the Trail Blazers fell out of playoff contention. The six-time All-Star is still the focal point for the Blazers as they try to rebuild after a down season. They selected Shaedon Sharpe, who did not play in his one season at Kentucky, with the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NBA draft. Last offseason, Lillard also reaffirmed his commitment to Portland amid a first-round exit in 2020-21, a new coach in Chauncey Billups and questions about his future with the Trail Blazers. Those questions have long been dismissed after this extension deal. Damian Lillard is nearing a two-year extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
