The NBA has informed teams that Damian Lillard, the All-Star guard, has confirmed his commitment to honor his contract in the event of a trade. This comes after Lillard and his agent expressed the desire for a trade to the Miami Heat.
In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the league warned that Lillard could face disciplinary action if he or his agent, Aaron Goodwin, make any additional comments suggesting that he would not fulfill his contractual obligations in the event of a trade.
Earlier this month, Lillard informed the Portland Trail Blazers of his desire to be traded, with Goodwin specifying his preference for the Miami Heat.
“Dame’s position won’t change,” Goodwin stated. “This entire situation was about building an opportunity for Portland to win or giving him another opportunity that he wants, which is Miami.”
The league has interviewed Lillard, Goodwin, and several teams in contact with Goodwin. Goodwin denied telling teams that Lillard would refuse to play for them, and the teams corroborated Goodwin’s statements to a large extent.
It is worth noting that players are not permitted to publicly request trades. The memo also conveyed that the Players Association has been informed that further comments like Goodwin’s may result in disciplinary measures.
