The NBA addressed Damian Lillard’s trade request via a memo. The NBA might be putting its foot down on star players requesting a trade to only one team. However, Lillard still remains committed to joining the Miami Heat. Let’s discuss the details of all this.
Heat Off-Season Companion Part 7: The NBA Sent Out A Memo Regarding Lillard’s Trade Request
As previously stated, the NBA sent out a memo about Lillard’s trade request. The memo states that the NBA will punish any player or agent that makes public or private comments that indicate that they won’t “fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade”. This is an interesting but expected message from the NBA.
In response, Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, told the NBA that Lillard would fulfill his player contract no matter where he is traded. This memo is a sign that the NBA is putting its foot down on star players requesting a trade and demanding to be traded to only one other team. That sort of trade request damages the player’s current team and the owners of that current team.
However, it seems unlikely that this memo affects Lillard’s desire to join the Heat. The memo might simply cause Lillard and his agent to alter their messaging about Lillard’s trade request. Despite the memo, the Miami Heat is the most likely destination for Damian Lillard when the Blazers trade him.
Lillard’s Desire to Join the Heat Remains Unchanged
Regardless of the NBA’s memo, Lillard’s desire to join the Heat hasn’t wavered. According to Shams Charania, Lillard’s mind is made up on wanting to join the Heat. Lillard sees himself as the missing piece that the Heat need to win another championship.
Lillard might be right about that. Given that, it is no surprise that Lillard’s desire to play for the Heat is unchanged.
The Heat Will Hopefully Progress Toward a Lillard Trade Soon
Naturally, the Heat will continue to work on a trade for Lillard. The Blazers are holding up the process, though. Hopefully, the trade process moves forward soon. I would bet that there will be progress on a Lillard trade by the end of August.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.