Damian Lillard has been linked to several teams in recent weeks. After losing to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2021 NBA postseason, fans and analysts wondered if the player will try to force his way out of Portland.
The Trail Blazers have no intention of trading the point guard away. Still, reports suggest that most teams in the league are monitoring Dame’s situation this offseason, hoping to lure him away from Moda Center.
Marc Berman of The New York Post details that the New York Knicks could use some picks to persuade the Trail Blazers.
The Knicks have five first-round picks over the next three years. In the upcoming draft, they have three picks in the top 31 — including two first-rounders at 19 and 21.
The Knicks are likely willing to include three first-round picks in a Lillard deal and have the cap space to make a transaction smoother mathematically.
Tom Thibodeau’s team surprised everybody this season, making it to the playoffs for the first time in 8 years. Although they couldn’t get past the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have a bright future. They have the most cap space this offseason and draft picks.
This summer, they can become contenders if they make the right moves, but time will reveal the front office’s plans for the next campaign.
