By all indications, Damian Lillard is not going anywhere — at least, for now. But don’t expect that likelihood to scare away interested teams from the pursuit.
In New York, the Knickerbockers have long held an interest in acquiring Dame, and their recent playoff run has seemingly only made them hungrier to make a move.
In a new report by Marc Berman of the New York Post, RJ Barret could be on the table in potential talks between the Knicks and Blazers.
In a Lillard trade, the Knicks don’t want to have their roster ransacked but likely are willing to give up three of their future first-round picks. RJ Barrett is not considered an untouchable in a deal for a superstar, according to a source.
The Knicks are coming off their best season in years. With Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose, and head coach Tom Thibodeau, they have a solid and capable core.
But unless they sign a superstar, their ceiling will always be relatively low.
Damian Lillard is a guy who can get them over the top, and it’s no surprise they’re willing to pay a high price to get him.
It remains to be seen, however, if Lillard will be made available and if the Knicks would even have a strong-enough offer. At this point, all we can do is wait and see.
