The NBA stand on Damian Lillard trade request

• The NBA issued a warning to players and agents against making public comments impacting contract obligations in trade situations 
• Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, reportedly indicated Lillard’s preference for the Miami Heat
• Lillard has spent his entire 11-year NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers

In response to the recent discussions about Damian Lillard trade request to play for the Miami Heat, the NBA has taken action by sending a memo to all 30 teams. The memo outlines that any player or their agent who makes public or private comments indicating they won’t fully fulfil their player contract in the event of a trade will be subject to discipline.

The memo revealed that Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, had contacted other teams warning them against trading for Lillard unless it was with the Miami Heat, where he apparently wanted to play exclusively.

The NBA conducted interviews with Lillard and Goodwin to address the matter. Goodwin denied making any statements that Lillard would refuse to play for other teams. The league acknowledged that the descriptions provided by relevant teams were mostly consistent with Goodwin’s statements to them.

NBA has sent a memo to all 30 teams after the standoff regarding Damian Lillard trade request to Miami Heat. | PHOTO: NBA |

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Lillard and Goodwin reassured the NBA that Lillard would fulfil his contract obligations, irrespective of the team he might be traded to. The league has also informed the National Basketball Players Association that any private or public comments of this nature will be met with disciplinary action. While the NBA already has rules regarding public trade requests, it’s emphasized that these requests can still be made privately.

The situation arose when Damian Lillard informed the Portland Trail Blazers on July 1 that he wanted to be traded after the team used their third pick in the NBA draft on promising point guard prospect Scoot Henderson. This decision sparked speculation about Lillard’s future with the team and led to discussions with various potential trade partners.

Blazers’ General Manager, Joe Cronin, addressed the situation during the Las Vegas Summer League. He stressed the importance of patience and diligence in making a decision, indicating that rushing into a trade to resolve the matter hastily might not yield the best outcomes for the team. He emphasized that the organization’s priority is to make the best decision for the team’s future.

Throughout his 11-year NBA career, Damian Lillard has been a prominent player for the Trail Blazers, remaining loyal to the team. However, recent developments have sparked talks of a potential trade, which could lead to significant changes for both Lillard and the Blazers.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will ultimately unfold. The NBA’s stance on public or private comments that might disrupt player contracts during trades signals a clear message about maintaining professionalism and honouring contractual commitments, no matter the circumstances.