Damian Lillard has expressed his desire to be traded from the Portland Trail Blazers and has specifically indicated his interest in joining the Miami Heat.
This stance has caught the NBA’s attention, leading them to issue a memo to all 30 teams, warning that any further comments from Lillard or his agent, Aaron Goodwin, on the matter could result in disciplinary action from the league. The memo also serves as a reminder that such behavior from other players in the future may also face consequences.
TNT and Bleacher Report‘s Chris Haynes shared the memo in full:
“Recent media reports stated that Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, called multiple NBA teams to warn them against trading for Lillard because Lillard’s only desired trade destination is Miami. Goodwin also made public comments indicating that Lillard would not fully perform the services called for under his player contract if traded to another team.
We interviewed Goodwin and Lillard and also spoke with several NBA teams to whom Goodwin spoke. Goodwin denied stating or indicating to any team that Lillard would refuse to play for them. Goodwin and Lillard affirmed to us that Lillard would fully perform the services called for under his player contract in any trade scenario. The relevant teams provided descriptions of their communications with Goodwin that were mostly, though not entirely, consistent with Goodwin’s statements to us.
We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA. We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”
Despite Lillard’s trade request being around for almost a month, no deal seems imminent. The Portland Trail Blazers hold the upper hand in this situation since Lillard is under contract for three more years with an additional player option, and he lacks a no-trade clause. Thus, the Trail Blazers have the liberty to trade him to any team, not necessarily Miami.
However, Lillard’s significance to the Trail Blazers, being arguably the best player in their franchise history and a pivotal member for over a decade, could motivate the team to consider accommodating his wishes. Still, the Miami Heat may not be able to offer the most appealing trade package for the star guard, and in that case, Lillard might need to be open to compromise.
The unfolding of this situation is highly intriguing. Meanwhile, the NBA has made it abundantly clear that they don’t want any further discussions from Lillard or his agent about his desire to move to Miami.
