Knicks already preparing for a potential Damian Lillard trade

Damian Lillard, Knicks
NBA Analysis Network

The New York Knicks have long been searching for a superstar to build their franchise around. At one point, the belief was that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would team up for the Knicks, but they ended up with the Brooklyn Nets. Now, it appears that James Dolan and company have set their sights on Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard.

Over the last couple of weeks, rumors have been running rampant that Lillard could request a trade from Portland. He is unhappy with the Trail Blazers’ lack of ability to put together a championship roster. In addition to that issue, he has been unhappy with the pressure and backlash he has been receiving from Portland’s decision to hire Chauncey Billups to be their new head coach.

With all of that being said, the Knicks are reportedly already preparing for a potential trade for Lillard.

“But as you’d expect, members of the Knicks organization have been doing homework/prep work on the possibility of Lillard becoming available via trade, per sources. People in touch with the organization recently came away with the impression that New York would be interested in trading for Lillard, but would also be content to take a longer-term approach with the roster if the right opportunity didn’t arise.”

Trading for Lillard would certainly be the kind of move that would put the Knicks back on the map in terms of NBA Finals contention. Lillard, coupled with current Knicks’ All-Star Julius Randle, would form a lethal duo. New York has plenty of assets on their roster and draft picks to use in a blockbuster trade.

During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Trail Blazers, Lillard put up his usual monstrous production. He averaged 28.8 points per game to go along with 7.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds, while also shooting 45.1 percent from the floor overall and 39.1 percent from the three-point line.

Even though the Knicks are already preparing for a run at Lillard, there are plenty of other potential suitors as well. Among those potential suitors are the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. Many other teams will also get involved if the Trail Blazers actually make their superstar guard available.

Expect to hear a lot more rumors come out surrounding Damian Lillard in the coming days and weeks. There is a very real chance that the Trail Blazers will listen to offers for him this offseason. If that is the case, the Knicks are going to be pushing as hard as they possibly can to get a deal done.

Sixers Receive Massive Tyrese Maxey Injury Update vs. Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers have received encouraging news on the injury front ahead of their matchup against the New York Knicks during Monday’s NBA action. ESPN’s

Sixers Defeat Knicks 79-73 In Low-Scoring Duel

In a game marked by its defensive prowess rather than offensive flare, the Philadelphia 76ers overcame the New York Knicks with a score of 79-73

Brunson’s Return Propels Knicks To 98-74 Victory Against Magic

The New York Knicks showcased a powerful defensive performance, leading to a 98-74 victory over the Orlando Magic during Friday’s NBA action, highlighting their readiness