New York Knicks
In a trade package for Damian Lillard, draft capital is going to be a must-have. The New York Knicks, for the first time in a long time, has it. After years of poor spending when it came to draft capital, the Knicks seem to have finally figured things out.
As things stand right now, they do not have any outgoing draft picks other than their 2021 second-round pick, which doesn’t hurt them because they still have two others this year, including the No. 32 overall selection. They do have numerous picks coming to them.
The Kristaps Porzingis trade also netted the Knicks two future first-round draft picks, one which will convey this year and the second one coming in 2023, which is unprotected. They also have multiple second-round picks in 2023, 2024 and 2026 at their disposal to help facilitate a deal.
New York also has an up-and-coming star in RJ Barrett that several teams would love to acquire in a trade. There are reports that the Knicks would be willing to part with Barrett for a player such as Lillard. That decision, to trade the former Duke product or not, will shape the franchise for the next decade.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
In addition to Barrett, the Knicks also have Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Kevin Knox as young players to be included in a trade. New York also has ample cap space, so Portland wouldn’t have to take back bad contracts to make the salary numbers work.
