What would a trade for Damian Lillard look like for the New York Knicks?
The New York Knicks currently sit in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 11-12. They are currently riding a three-game losing streak since the decision was made to remove Kemba Walker from the rotation and inserted Alec Burks to be the team’s starting point guard.
The Knicks are floundering in the much more competitive East and everyone is wondering exactly what happened. Reigning NBA Coach of the Year winner Tom Thibodeau seems to be grasping at straws, looking for answers, and 2020-21 Most Improved Player of the Year Julius Randle is not playing like the same player that won him the award last season.
If there were ever any questions about Randle being a true No. 1 option, he answered them with his play thus far in the season. He most certainly is not. However, there is every reason to believe he could thrive as a solid No. 2 contributor on a winning team.
RJ Barrett, too, has taken a major step back in his development this season, particularly in his shooting numbers. Barrett is currently shooting a woeful 23 percent from 3 in his last 10 games. His shooting numbers have taken such a dip as of late that Thibs went out of his way to call him out for his lack of “gym time” that he has put in compared to last season.
So what exactly is the solution for a team that needs a major shakeup? Enter a disgruntled Damian Lilliard.
Lillard, who is is one of the best point guards in the NBA, would certainly bring the Knicks a true scoring point guard who is in his prime. He is the No. 1 option in Portland, and with them currently firing their general manager and going through some rough patches themselves, maybe they finally decide it is time to blow it up and start from scratch.
Well-connected ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith recently came out and stated that if Damian Lillard’s time in Portland has come to an end he only wants to come to the New York Knicks. If true and the Blazers want to do right by their long-time star player then a deal could certainly be made with the Knicks.
So what would a trade for Lillard look like?
Lillard’s contract is one of the highest in the league at $39 million this year. To get close matching salaries, the Knicks would have to give up several rotational pieces. The Blazers would most certainly also want future picks as well.
For starters, Evan Fournier and his contract is not a player the Blazers would be interested in. They have a need at the power forward position. If they decide to stay competitive during the rebuild they could insist on Randle which most certainly would get push back by the Knicks.
Realistically, they will want the young pieces of RJ Barrett, who’s making $8.6 million this season, and standout power forward Obi Toppin who is making $5 million.
Kemba Walker’s $9 million contract would have to go since he’s out of the rotation. Oft-injured center Nerlens Noel and his $8 million per contract would also need to be included and one final player contract of Quentin Grimes making $2.1 million would get the total value close enough and attractive enough to secure a deal.
To sweeten the pot, the Knicks would likely have to include at least three future first-round picks. They currently have five first-round picks in the next three drafts. If this would be amenable to the Blazers, then the Knicks starting lineup would be:
PG – Damian Lillard
SG – Evan Fournier
SF – Alec Burks
PF – Julius Randle
C- Mitchell Robinson
Bench:
- Derrick Rose
- Immanuel Quickley
- Kevin Knox
- Jericho Sims
- Taj Gibson
While the depth of the roster takes a big hit, adding the superstar point guard to this team that so desperately needs a floor general and a No. 1 option would alleviate much of the problems this roster currently has.