NBA Trade Rumors: Damian Lillard can land in New York Knicks next season
With Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard shutting down for the rest of this season, could he be headed to the New York Knicks? After the organization announced its decisio, it didn't take long for rumors to start suggesting Lillard could be on the way out this offseason.
One of the NBA's top superstar ball handlers, Lillard is coming off another outstanding year. After being shut down, Lillard will finish this season averaging a career-high 32.2 points per game. He also averaged 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game while shooting a career-best 46.3%.
The Portland Trail Blazers rewarded Lillard this offseason with a two-year max extension through the 2026-27 season. The deal is reportedly worth $225 million. Despite the extension, Lillard and the Trail Blazers will have to be realistic with their expectations this offseason. He's set to turn 33 years old in July, and Portland is trending toward a rebuild.
Accordingly, rumors of a potential trade could be heating up again. One report has suggested the New York Knicks as a potential landing spot for Lillard if a trade came to fruition. According to Jordanna Clark of DailyKnicks.com, the Knicks could have the assets to pursue Lillard if he becomes available.
NBA Rumors: Door may be open for Knicks-Damian Lillard trade dailyknicks.com/2023/03/29/nba…
Damian Lillard shut down for rest of season
The Portland Trail Blazers will have another big offseason of decision to make when it comes to Damian Lillard's future. Despite turning 33 years old this summer, Lillard is still one of the NBA's top point guards.
He's a dangerous force who could give a serious lift to any organization. That includes the New York Knicks, who have acquired a number of future draft picks they could dangle in front of Portland.
.@ShamsCharania: “I’m told Damian Lillard essentially has been shut down for the remainder of the season…”
@ChandlerParsons gives his take on Dame’s future with the #Blazers 👀
#RunItBack https://t.co/iSNhP4kPzU
The Knicks have gotten stellar play from free-agent addition Jalen Brunson this year. Pairing him with a dangerous offensive force like Lillard could give the Knicks one of the Eastern Conference's top backcourts.
Portland (32-24), which has won one of its last 10 games, played it safe by shutting down Lillard for the remainder of the season. The Trail Blazers are getting prepared for Friday night's game against the Sacramento Kings.
As of now, Portland has the fifth-best lottery odds in the 2023 NBA draft. If the team can have some lottery luck on May 16 and land one of the top picks, it could present an opportunity for Damian Lillard to stay with the organization he's been so loyal to.