New York Knicks

For years, the Knicks have been one of the “laughing stocks” of the league, but after going 41-31 this season and claiming the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference, they are a team that is positioned to make some big moves in the offseason. 

The narrative every offseason for the Knicks has been that they will be targeting big name All-Stars to try and lure them to New York, yet nobody has wanted to go and sign/play with or for the Knicks because they have been so bad! Now with a ton of cap space and now that they have shown the ability to win, the New York Knicks have turned themselves into the most attractive destination for free agents and star talents this offseason. 

Tom Thibodeau was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year in his first season with the team, Julius Randle won the Most Improved Player award and with young, promising young talents in R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin, this is a franchise that can win now and for a long time to come. 

Aside from adding talents at every position, the Knicks will really be focusing on adding a star point guard in the offseason, especially since Derrick Rose is not the future for them. He is a great veetran that can help them win in the short-term, but they need a long-term solution in their backcourt, which is why Damian Lillard could be their savior. 

New York and Los Angeles are the two biggest markets in sports and quite honestly, in the world! Lillard would not only be the star of the team with the Knicks, but he could absolutely be the final piece for them in their efforts to become a legit contender. Those organization will always find themselves in NBA trade rumors as a result.

READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam

The best part about trading for Lillard too from the Knicks’ perspective is that they could look to add another high-level talent in free agency. New York has just under $60M in cap space to play around with this offseason, so it is very realistic that they could add Damian Lillard via trade and then look to add guys like DeMar DeRozan, Norman Powell or even Will Barton in free agency. 

The Knicks are finally back and it actually feels good to say this! I fully expect GM Scott Perry and President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose to be extremely aggressive in their pursuit for more talent this offseason and if he becomes available, Lillard is going to be at the top of their priority list.