NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks considered the favorite to land Damian Lillard?

NBA Trade Rumors: Are the New York Knicks considered the favorites if Damian Lillard demands a trade? 

This offseason, there are two names that rival teams are keeping a close eye on around the league. One of those names is Bradley Beal and the other is Damian Lillard. And while neither has formally made a trade demand, both are players that could end up doing so before the end of the offseason.

If that happens, it could make way for a blockbuster trade either later this summer or into this upcoming season. And according to one recent report, if Lillard makes it known that he wants a trade there’s an early favorite for his services.

Per Marc Stein, it is believed that the New York Knicks would be the favorites to land Lillard IF he is dealt at some point over the next few months.

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"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."

This should absolutely be taken with a grain of salt and considering that Lillard hasn’t even fully expressed his desire to leave Portland, this is all somewhat moot. However, it should be at least telling that around the league it is believed that the Knicks have the means to make a big splash.

That, above all, should be the story here.

The New York Knicks have the assets to make a big splash this offseason

I’m not exactly sure what a potential Lillard to New York trade would end up looking like, but you’d have to think that it would begin with RJ Barrett, a few first-round picks, and then grow from there. Perhaps an Obi Toppin and/or Mitchell Robinson would have to be included as well.

For the Knicks, the hope would be that they could pair Lillard with Julius Randle and then continue to build around that in free agency this offseason or even next summer.

Would that be enough to compete at a high level in the Eastern Conference? Who knows, but a starting duo of Lillard and Randle would be a great step in the right direction for a franchise that has already taken a big step forward with their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade this past season.

The Knicks are a winning basketball club and appear to be ready to pounce on the next disgruntled superstar to demand a trade. And the feeling around the league is that if that just happens to be Lillard, the Knicks could get it done.