The NBA has its own set of rules and recently Damian Lillard flouted one of those that led to the league taking prompt action. The league is cracking down because it values honesty and transparency in trade discussions and wants to ensure that no one is able to manipulate trade decisions in order to benefit certain locations.
After Damian Lillard requested a trade from the Trail Blazers to the Heat, the NBA acted. The NBA confirmed in a message sent to all 30 clubs that they were aware of rumors that Aaron Goodwin, agent for NBA player Damian Lillard, had spoken with numerous teams to dissuade them from making a trade for Lillard in order to send him to the Miami Heat.
NBA issues memo to 30 NBA teams to address Damian Lillard trade drama
There has been a lot of buzz around Damian Lillard’s trade request from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Miami Heat, which led the NBA to take action. The 30 clubs in the NBA were handed a document warning them against any more statements from Lillard or his agent, Aaron Goodwin, that might be seen as a threat to not fulfill his player contract if dealt.
The memo contained that, “it warned them against trading for Lillard because Lillard’s only desired trade destination is Miami.” The memo added that Goodwin made public comments indicating that Lillard “would not fully perform the services called for under his player contract if traded to another team.”
NBA sent a memo Friday to all 30 teams about Damian Lillard’s trade request and the stance that he only wants to play in Miami. Reporting details on @TheRally: pic.twitter.com/xkgMfcTeqI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 28, 2023
The league talked to Goodwin and Dame, and they both said they had no recollection of making those comments to clubs. Damian Lillard was warned by the NBA that any more statements of a similar type might lead to disciplinary action against him.
While the Blazers ultimately have the say in where Damian Lillard plays next season, they would like to respect his desires given his huge impact on the team.
However, Miami may not offer the greatest deal, which might force the other team to make concessions. Although the league has been trying to quell any more speculation about a possible relocation to Miami, the trade scenario remains interesting.
NBA insider discloses punishments for publicly expressing trade desire
In a significant development, renowned NBA analyst Bobby Marks took to Twitter to reveal that the NBA has issued a stern warning to all parties involved in trade discussions, specifically targeting Damian Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin.
The league has notified Damian Lillard, his representatives, and all 30 teams that any public expression of a desire to be traded to another team will result in potential fines and suspensions.
From the 2023 CBA
Any player (or, for clarity, any player representative or person acting with authority on behalf of a player) who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another Team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension. The maximum fine that may be imposed by… https://t.co/ZaDCK3jdb5
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 28, 2023
Marks cited the league’s exact message in his tweet, stating: “Any player (or, for clarity, any player representative or person acting with authority on behalf of a player) who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another Team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension. The maximum fine that may be imposed by the NBA on a player pursuant to the foregoing shall be $150,000.”
It sends a strong message that players, agents, and clubs that make any public trade requests may face serious penalties. The league’s goal is to prevent any kind of public spectacle that may damage players’ credibility, disrupt team chemistry, or impede league operations. Players and their agents will likely be more careful in the future when discussing potential trades in the media.
What is your take on this unexpected punishment? Share your opinions in the comments section.
