Damian Lillard says he "couldn't be happier" to be back with the Portland Trail Blazers as he recovers from the Achilles injury he suffered at the end of his second season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard's Bucks career was derailed by injuries during the 2024-25 season, starting with the March diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Lillard was waived by the Bucks in July and signed a three-year deal to return to the Trail Blazers shortly afterward. "I had surgery, I jumped right into the things that they allow me to do," Lillard said Monday about his recovery process. Lillard, who turned 35 in July, didn't rule out the possibility of returning next season after signing with the Blazers in July.