The NBA has started to crack down on Damian Lillard’s request for a trade from the Trail Blazers to the Heat.
In a memo sent from the league to the 30 teams, the league addressed reports that Aaron Goodwin, the 33-year-old star’s agent, “called multiple NBA teams to warn them against trading for Lillard” as a way to guarantee that Lillard ended up in Miami.
The memo, which was obtained by Bleacher Report and Yahoo Sports, stated that multiple teams contacted by Goodwin were interviewed — though the specific teams weren’t mentioned — and that Goodwin denied those allegations.
“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,” the league’s memo reportedly read.
“We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”
The memo also stated that both Lillard and Goodwin confirmed the six-time All-Star, who averaged a career-best 32.2 points per game in 2022-23, “would fully perform the services called for under his player contract” if a trade were to occur to another team other than the Heat.
In an offseason where players from Kyrie Irving and Draymond Green to Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell headlined the NBA’s free agency cycle, Lillard reflects perhaps the most significant question that remains without an answer.
He became a name pegged as a Nets option, even attending Game 3 of Brooklyn’s playoff series against the 76ers, when it became clear that Lillard might not want to remain with Portland — which held the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft — if it started rebuilding.
But then it became confusing.
It wasn’t clear what Lillard wanted or where he’d want to go if he ended up demanding that the Trail Blazers facilitate a trade.
When free agency started July 1, though, Lillard officially requested a trade, with reports emerging that the Heat — the Eastern Conference champions that made a run to the NBA Finals as the No. 8 seed — was his preferred destination.
The Trail Blazers have appeared to be in a rush to accommodate Lillard’s request, though, and general manager Joe Cronin said at the NBA Summer League that they’re “going to do what’s best for our team” — admitting that the deal could take months to complete.
Lillard still remains a member of Portland four weeks after his initial request.
And at this point, it’s unclear if the NBA’s recent communication regarding Lillard and Goodwin could add another layer to the situation, too.
