Earlier on Thursday, reports emerged describing Damien LillardHis agent, Aaron Goodwin, warned teams interested in trading for him that he only wanted to play in the United States heat. ]Goodwin set the record straight later Thursday afternoon to confirm those reports: Lillard has eyes only for Miami.
“I do what I should do for my client. I’ve been contacted by some teams. Others have been approached. It’s a decent relationship with most teams. Honestly, he wants to play in Miami. Goodwin said, In Barry Jackson of Miami Herald.
Lillard, who spent 11 years of his career with the Trail Blazers, requesting a deal from the organization on July 1. This decision came after two consecutive losing seasons from Portland, who had compiled a 60-104 record (. 366) over that stretch. The Blazers have not won a playoff series since reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2019.
Earlier Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Goodwin was warning representatives of teams other than the Heat against trying to trade for his client.
“like [Blazers GM Joe] Cronin is exploring the broader scene. Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, has contacted potential business partners and warned against trading for his client, team managers told ESPN. Goodwin tells organizations outside of Miami that trading for Lillard trades for an unhappy player. As the intervention continues, this is a prestigious agent maneuver to cut offers and clear a path to a predetermined destination,” Wojnarowski wrote.
Lillard, who turns 33 on July 15, averaged a career high 32.2 points per game last season across 58 games, hitting 37.1% on three pointers.