Damian Lillard and his agent were warned in an NBA memo that any comments suggesting the Portland Trail Blazers point guard wants a trade only with the Miami Heat will be subject to league discipline, as will any similar behavior by from other players, according to multiple reports.
The NBA released a memo to all 30 teams on Friday, saying the league had met with Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, to discuss comments regarding Lillard’s July 1 request to only be traded. with the Miami Heat.
Goodwin recently told the Oregonian that negotiating with a team on a trade that might be “futile in the end (was) not fair.”
The NBA memo also says the basketball players’ association has been notified that the message applies to all players.
“We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or in public, suggesting that Lillard will not fully perform the services under his player contract in the event of a trade, will subject Lillard to disciplinary action from from the NBA, the memo says. We have also informed the Players Association that any similar comments from players or their agents will be subject to disciplinary action in the future.”
Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, finished last season with career highs in points per game (32.2), shooting percentage (46.3), free throw attempts per game ( 9.6), 3-point shots (4.2) and shot attempts (11.3) per game. He also averaged 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 58 matches. Lillard, 33, has spent his entire career in Portland since being selected sixth in the 2012 NBA draft.
