Damian Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, have reportedly been telling NBA teams it’s Miami Heat or bust, and now the league has clapped back at the pair.
In a memo shared by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Lillard and Goodwin have been told to stop making comments – to the public and to other NBA teams – that Lillard will play for the Heat and only the Heat.
Lillard’s agent reportedly called NBA teams to warn them against trading for star
The full memo was shared by Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report:
"“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.”"
This sounds like a warning to Goodwin more than a warning directed at Lillard. The idea that Dame would simply refuse to play if he were traded to any team outside of Miami seemed ludicrous the minute Goodwin’s comments were made public.
It’s Goodwin’s job to do what’s best for his client, which he appears to be doing, but telling other teams, privately and publicly, to stay away from Lillard because he won’t play basketball if he’s dealt there is apparently too far for the league.
But most importantly, does any of this change anything for Lillard, the Heat or the Trail Blazers? Most likely not.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Lillard Saga rolls on.