Will NBA’s Damian Lillard Memo Affect 76ers’ Interest?
Damian Lillard’s trade request resulted in a situation more similar to James Harden’s rather than Bradley Beal’s. When the Portland Trail Blazers star told his organization he would like to be traded on the second day of free agency, several teams inquired. Nearly a month later, Lillard is still on the Blazers’ roster.
When former Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal forced his way out last month, the All-Star ball-handler benefitted from having a no-trade clause attached to his contract. Telling the Wizards he would only be willing to lift the clause for the Phoenix Suns, Beal was sent packing to Phoenix rather quickly.
Lillard, who is no-trade-clause-less, has a very specific preference of where he wants to play. Unfortunately for him, the Miami Heat do not have the ideal trade package Portland is searching for. What about the other rumored interested suitors, such as the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and the Sixers? Well, some factors caused them to back off. Now, the NBA is stepping in.
Just a couple of weeks ago, several reports made it clear that Lillard’s desire to play for the Eastern Conference Champions was so legitimate that he would be disgruntled playing anywhere else. It was at that point the Sixers seemed out on attempting to acquire the seven-time All-Star.
On Friday night, it was revealed that the NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams, making it clear that the recent tactics utilized by Lillard’s camp are deemed unacceptable.
“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." via CBS Sports.
After a warning, the Lillard rumors will likely simmer down moving forward. Will it cause other teams to begin preparing offers after being initially hesitant to do so? It’s hard to imagine that’s the case.
Lillard and his team already planted the seed. While they can’t make their strong preference much clearer moving forward, the worst-kept secret around the league is that Lillard wants to play for the Heat. And even though the NBA would like teams to believe Lillard would welcome a trade to any other organization, interested front offices aren't blind to the reality of the situation.
Once it became clear that Lillard had a Miami-or-bust mindset, the Sixers seemingly backed off and turned their attention to the Los Angeles Clippers, who wanted to talk shop regarding Harden. Although the Sixers once had Lillard as their dream target before landing James Harden two seasons ago, they’ve been hesitant to stay in the market for him this summer.
Even with the new memo in place, the Sixers would probably be wise to steer clear of the Lillard drama. With the All-Star’s stance already clear, it remains apparent that Portland’s franchise player wants to head to South Beach over anywhere else.
