Damian Lillard – despite the rumors swirling around him – will probably stay with the Trail Blazers.
But if not…
Great anticipation surrounds the New York Knicks’ offseason, given the considerable cap space they possess, but the Knicks continue to be cited in league circles as perhaps the most likely destination for Portland’s Damian Lillard if — stress if — there is a change of plans in the Pacific Northwest and the Trail Blazers make Lillard available via trade earlier than expected.
Lillard would be the transformational star the Knicks have been thirsting for. He’s an excellent player and leader
But the Knicks were actually good this year.
Will they prioritize their immediate competitiveness this offseason? Or will they retain assets and flexibility for a Lillard trade?
New York could face difficult decisions. Even a chance at Lillard is worth some trouble, but taking a step back just to strike out on him would obviously be far from ideal.
Maybe the Knicks’ new front office will gather better intel than the previous regime.