Haynes: Damian Lillard Will Get Supermax Extension from Blazers in 2019

The Portland Trail Blazers and All-Star point guard Damian Lillard are expected to agree to a “supermax” contract extension this summer, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Lillard will need to make an All-NBA team this season in order to qualify for the extension, which would add four years and $191 million to his current contract. If he remained in Portland for the duration of the extension, Lillard would not become a free agent again until the age of 35.

Haynes indicates that a player option would be part of the agreement, which could shorten the life of the deal:

According to rival executives, a new pact for Lillard would almost certainly include a player option, something the guard bypassed on his previous deal.

Lillard publicly deferred contract discussions following Portland’s series-ending loss to the Golden State Warriors last night, but Haynes cites league sources, asserting the supermax is in the works.

Viability of Portland’s championship hopes was expected to be a factor in Lillard’s decision to remain with the team. Haynes quotes Lillard on the next steps for the franchise:

“We just have to continue to improve with the guys we have,” Lillard told Yahoo Sports. “And then if it presents itself where we can get some guys in that can maybe take us to the next level, then look at that. I think that’s all we can do.”

The seven-year veteran averaged 25.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds for the Blazers this season, making his fourth NBA All-Star Game in the process.