Damian Lillard Rumors: Knicks Preparing For Chance To Trade For Blazers Star

Damian Lillard has been at the center of constant trade speculation since Yahoo Sports reported that multiple factors could force the Trail Blazers’ star to ask out of Portland. In discussions about potential destinations for Lillard, the New York Knicks are often brought up.

Coming off a playoff appearance and offering the allure of the nation's No. 1 media market, the Knicks might a good landing spot for Lillard, who has never reached the Finals with the Blazers. After Portland was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and it was reported that several teams were gauging Portland’s interest in moving the point guard and New York was named the betting favorite to land Lillard.

The chances of the Knicks trading for Lillard this offseason are low, but the organization is getting ready for the opportunity to make an offer, just in case. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, New York is doing prep work on the possibility of the Blazers making Lillard available.

It’s no secret that the Knicks are on the lookout for the next superstar who asks to be traded. With a pair of extra first-round picks, a few promising young players and plenty of cap space to absorb Lillard’s massive salary, New York could potentially put together a competitive trade offer.

Lillard is under contract for at least three more seasons, but it’s unlikely that he’d be sent to a place where he didn’t want to play. James Harden and Anthony Davis were both sent to their preferred destinations over the last two years after asking to be moved.

The Blazers have lost in the first round of the playoffs in four of the last five years. Portland is hiring Chauncey Billups to be its new head coach. Lillard had previously named Billups as one of his preferred choices.

The Knicks were the NBA’s most surprising team in the regular season, earning the East’s No. 4 seed with a 41-31 record. The Atlanta Hawks easily beat New York in five games in the first round of the postseason, during which the Knicks’ lack of a true superstar was glaring.

Lillard averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 campaign, earning All-NBA Second Team honors for the third straight year. Lillard averaged 34.2 points and 10.7 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from three-point range in six playoff games.

Despite trade speculation, Lillard has not demanded a move from Portland.