The NBA has informed all 30 teams that they have interviewed Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, regarding Lillard’s desire to only play for the Miami Heat, according to league sources confirmed by The Athletic. This development comes after Lillard publicly requested to be traded to the Heat on July 1. The league has advised Lillard and Goodwin that any future comments suggesting Lillard will not fulfill his player contract obligations in the event of a trade will be subject to discipline. Similar comments by players or agents will also face disciplinary action moving forward.
The full NBA memo, obtained by The Athletic, states that recent media reports indicated that Lillard’s agent called multiple NBA teams to warn them against trading for Lillard because his only desired trade destination is Miami. Goodwin also made public comments suggesting that Lillard would not fully perform his contractual obligations if traded to another team. However, after interviewing Goodwin, Lillard, and several NBA teams that Goodwin spoke to, it was found that Goodwin denied making any statements indicating that Lillard would refuse to play for another team. Both Goodwin and Lillard affirmed that Lillard would fulfill his contractual obligations in any trade scenario. The teams involved provided descriptions of their communications with Goodwin that were mostly consistent with Goodwin’s statements.
This memo serves as a warning to Lillard and Goodwin that any future comments, whether made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting that Lillard will not fulfill his contractual obligations in the event of a trade will result in disciplinary action by the NBA. The Players Association has also been informed that similar comments by players or their agents will face disciplinary action going forward.
For the Portland Trail Blazers, this memo likely strengthens their position in searching for the best trade deal for the franchise. The team will not be limited by Lillard’s one-team trade demand and will prioritize finding a favorable landing spot for the star player without losing leverage in the trade negotiations. Blazers general manager Joe Cronin has expressed his respect and affinity for Lillard but has made it clear that he won’t be pressured into a lopsided deal due to Lillard’s ultimatum. Cronin’s priority is to do what is best for the Blazers, whether it involves keeping Lillard or facilitating a trade.
Lillard had a standout season in 2022-23, setting career-highs in points per game, field goal percentage, free throws attempted per game, and 3-pointers made and attempted per game. He has spent his entire 11-season NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers since being selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Last season, the Trail Blazers finished with a record of 33-49.
The memo from the NBA regarding Lillard’s trade request and his desire to play only for the Miami Heat reinforces the league’s support for open bidding for the star player’s rights. It also serves as a warning to other players and agents that this tactic will not be tolerated. The situation surrounding Lillard’s trade request continues to develop, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately be resolved.
In conclusion, the NBA has interviewed Damian Lillard and his agent regarding Lillard’s desire to play only for the Miami Heat. The league has warned Lillard and his agent about making comments that suggest he won’t fulfill his contractual obligations in the event of a trade. The memo strengthens the Portland Trail Blazers’ position in searching for the best trade deal and warns other players and agents about similar tactics. Lillard had a standout season and has spent his entire career with the Trail Blazers. The situation continues to unfold, and its resolution remains uncertain.