Blazers, Lillard nearing 5-year max extension

[Kevin]

ESPN sources say Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are nearing agreement on a five-year max extension with in excess of $120 million

The Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard are nearing agreement on a maximum five-year contract extension that is expected to top $120 million in value, according to league sources.

Sources said the Blazers and the All-Star point guard soon will finalize a five-year extension that will kick in starting with the 2016-17 season.

First-round picks from the 2012 NBA draft such as Lillard are eligible to negotiate contract extensions now through Oct. 31. But like any free-agent deal throughout the league, they can't be formally signed until July 9, when a leaguewide moratorium on player business is lifted.

The exact figures of the extension will depend on how much the NBA salary cap actually rises in 2016, but sources said the Blazers are prepared to pay Lillard, 24, the maximum amount they're allowed to and make him their designated player.

[Andrew]

As I said in the other thread, though it's a steep price, I think Lillard is worth taking a risk on.

[Mandich]

With the current talent at the point guard spot, this contract is debatable.

I don't think he's going to improve much, but as Andrew said, he's probably worth the risk. Especially with the new salary caps.