Author: Monojit Mandal
In a recent development, the NBA issued a formal note to all 30 NBA clubs in response to statements made by Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, indicating the player’s desire to be traded to the Miami Heat. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the memo warns that disciplinary action could be taken against Lillard or his agent if they continue to look primarily to the Heat for a possible trade.
Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard declared earlier this month that he was ready to leave the Portland Trail Blazers. After that, he formally requested a trade, and rumors indicate that the Blazers are aggressively pursuing his request. However, rumors are circulating that Lillard’s management is interested in him playing for the Miami Heat in 2023-24.
The NBA’s statement came in response to media allegations that Aaron Goodwin had phoned several NBA clubs, discouraging them from negotiating for Lillard and emphasizing that Miami was the only destination he wanted. In addition, Goodwin has made public comments implying that, if traded to another team, Lillard might not fully commit to his player contract.
The NBA confirmed in a document acquired by Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes that it had conducted interviews with Lillard and Goodwin. Goodwin denied having made any comments insinuating that Lillard would refuse to play for a team if he were transferred, and both parties confirmed that Lillard will honor his player contract commitments regardless of the trade scenario. Several NBA clubs also confirmed Goodwin’s claims, although not all aspects were consistent.
However, the NBA advised Lillard and Goodwin not to say anything that could be perceived as a refusal by the player to fulfill his contractual obligations in the event of a trade. The document warned that any future statements of this kind, whether made privately to teams or publicly, could result in disciplinary action by the NBA against Lillard. In addition, the league informed the Players’ Association that similar statements made by players or their representatives could result in future penalties.
Despite the ongoing trade issue, no formal agreement on the Damian Lillard trade has been reached between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers’ contract with the 33-year-old point guard still has many years to go and does not include a no-trade clause.