With the Portland Trail Blazers still seemingly far away from their Championship goals, the idea that Damian Lillard might opt-out, or that the front office might be open to a complete rebuild, continues to increase in likelihood.
Lillard is on the wrong side of 30, and the urgency to win a title is at an all-time high.
And while neither side has expressed an outward desire to move on, at least one team is monitoring the situation, with the hope that they might strike gold as early as this upcoming summer.
“If the Blazers make Lillard available, the Knicks will be ready to pounce,” writes Marc Berman of the NY Post. “According to one league executive, the Knicks likely would be willing to trade three or four of their first-rounders in a deal for Lillard if that means they can hold onto Barrett and Obi Toppin.”
Lillard could very well be among the final pieces they need to cement a status as title contenders.
“The Knicks likely view a trade for Lillard, averaging 28.2 points and 7.4 assists, as being one of the final two pieces to being an Eastern Conference title contender if they don’t lose a core player in the deal.”
Lillard is one of the best offensive players the game has to offer. With averages of 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 43.3% shooting, he can be a focal point for New York and would be their best player since Carmelo Anthony.
Whether or not the Blazers would take a trade package from the Knicks remains to be seen. One such deal could even include up to four young players and two picks.
But if Lillard is put on the trade block, there will no doubt be plenty of other suitors willing and ready with offers of their own…
