The Blazers had been reportedly all set to present Damian Lillard his want of a commerce to Miami, however his agent inadvertently tousled the deal.
One of the principle causes that Portland determined to not go forward with the deal was due to Aaron Goodwin’s actions, in accordance with Ben Maller of Fox Sports.
“From what I’ve gathered, Portland was prepared to send Lillard to Miami,” said Maller. “Then his agent gave some comments to the media that rubbed several people in Portland the wrong way. It was at that point that the Blazers pivoted. Lillard’s agent had embarrassed the franchise.”
The agent advised NBA reporters publicly that Lillard solely wished to play for the Heat.
Goodwin was additionally apparently ringing round to NBA groups to inform them that in the event that they traded for Lillard, they’d buying and selling for an sad participant. Even although Dame didn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
“As interference goes, this is a time-honored agent maneuver to depress offers and clear a path to a predetermined destination,” Adrian Wojnarowski reported over this summer season.
However, the NBA and the Blazers took exception to this.
Because it in the end resulted in Miami and Portland having to herald a 3rd staff – Milwaukee – to get a commerce accomplished.
The NBA additionally despatched out a memo warning Goodwin about his practices.
In case you missed it, this was the memo:
“We interviewed Goodwin and Lillard and also spoke with several NBA teams to whom Goodwin spoke,” the NBA’s memo to groups mentioned. “Goodwin denied stating or indicating to any staff that Lillard would refuse to play for them. Goodwin and Lillard affirmed to us that Lillard would absolutely carry out the companies referred to as for below his participant contract in any commerce state of affairs. The related groups offered descriptions of their communications with Goodwin that had been largely, although not solely, per Goodwin’s statements to us.
“We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA. We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”
Goodwin was making an attempt to behave in consumer’s greatest curiosity, however on this case it backfired.
Dame nonetheless ended up with a championship caliber staff within the Bucks, so he can’t be too mad about it.
