The New York Knicks are involved in plenty of rumors right now. They are up for an entertaining offseason both in free agency and the trade market.
The New Yorkers just finished a surprising season where they reached the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The future looks bright for them now, as they are linked with almost every major name in the free agency and trade market.
One of those is Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers star is rumored to be unhappy with his team and would try to force his way out of the Moda Center this offseason. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and more have been linked to the point guard. Still, they’re not the only ones keeping tabs on this situation.
For instance, the Knicks could be a landing spot for the player. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knickerbockers could have an excellent opportunity to land Lillard, given their draft capital for the next years.
Of course, the Knicks could also look to package those picks in a trade for a star player. Including this draft, New York has five first-round picks in the next three drafts. So the club has plenty of draft capital to use in a trade.
If a star like Damian Lillard somehow becomes available via trade, New York would have to offer that draft capital in any trade conversations with Portland.
You also have to wonder if the Knicks’ internal expectations for 2021-22 have changed after they finished No. 4 in the Eastern Conference.
If the Knicks feel an internal pressure to build on last season’s success, it’s easy to see why the they would look to trade their picks in pursuit of a player who can help them win now.
This would be a great move for the Knicks. They already showed great things this season, and with the right pieces, they can make more noise in the East. Whoever gets Lillard will at least become title contenders. The former Rookie of the Year wants to win, and if he can’t do so in Portland, it’ll be time to look for a new team to represent.
