2. Portland Trail Blazers For Damian Lillard
This is the least likely option for the New York Knicks when it comes to filling their point guard position. But, when it comes to franchise point guards that could be available this offseason, there aren’t any better than Damian Lillard.
Portland tore things down with their roster at the trade deadline, parting ways with CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Larry Nance Jr. and Robert Covington. The plan is to build their roster around Damian Lillard this offseason and become competitive right away.
That is easier said than done, as the roster is pretty barebones right now. If the franchise changes course and decides it is best to move on from Damian Lillard, the Knicks should aggressively make an offer.
Outside of RJ Barrett, New York should make every other player available in negotiations. It would likely take multiple draft picks, as the Knicks can offer their 2022 lottery pick, their own 2023 pick and the one they have from the Dallas Mavericks as a starting point. Swaps would probably be included as well.
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Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin are intriguing young players that could be included as well. With expanded playing time near the end of the 2021-22 season, both players thrived and are ready to take on bigger roles.
Some combination of Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose can be used to match salary as well. It would take a lot, but the Knicks have stockpiled all of these assets in recent years to make a blockbuster deal such as one for Damian Lillard.
