However, the NBA appears to have taken a strong stance regarding those rumors. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who was speaking on a recent episode of “The Rally,” the NBA has met with Lillard and his agent.
“This just came in. The NBA sent a memo to its 30 NBA teams. Informing them that they have interviewed Damian Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin about his stance that he only wants to play in Miami…The league advised both Lillard and Goodwin that any future comments as far as him only wanting to play in Miami would subject him to discipline if those comments were to continue. As well as a warning to the NBPA that any future comments by players, [or] their agents, that are similar to the ones that are ‘I only want to play for this specific team,’ in a trade request, could also be subject to potential discipline as well.”
It would seem that Lillard no longer holds all the cards in his desire to force his way to the Heat. Now that the NBA has gotten involved, other teams around the league may feel emboldened to try to pry the All-Star guard away from Portland. The Trail Blazers have been standing firm in regard to potential returns from a Lillard trade and have clearly not been impressed with what Miami has offered to this point.
Lillard’s immediate future is now more unclear than it has ever been. While the Trail Blazers have suddenly taken control of any potential trade discussions, Lillard has been a loyal member of Portland’s roster since being drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2012. So, while Portland will likely try to accommodate Lillard’s desire to move to a contending team, he won’t be unable to hold them to ransom to force a move to his preferred destination.
Lillard is unlikely to be pleased with the recent change of events. However, the NBA’s intervention is a win for front offices across the league and will ensure players cannot hold teams hostage in order to force their way to a specific franchise in the future.
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