Damian Lillard Trade Rumors: Knicks Doing Prep Work In Case Blazers Make PG Available

If Damian Lillard becomes available in a trade this offseason or attempts to force his way out of Portland, you can expect about half of the NBA to check in with the Trail Blazers. The New York Knicks won't be the exception.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, "members of the Knicks organization have been doing homework/prep work on the possibility of Lillard becoming available via trade, per sources."

The goal would be to pair Lillard with Julius Randle, a very nice one-two punch. But do the Knicks really have the assets to get a deal done? 

A package from New York might require all of R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley and future first-round picks. And that might still not be enough to beat some of the other potential offers on the table. 

Would the Blazers prefer that to an offer of Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey and three or four first-round picks? What if the Toronto Raptors built a package around Pascal Siakam and the No. 4 overall pick this year? Or if the Golden State Warriors dangle Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman and the Nos. 7 and 14 picks? 

The Miami Heat could build a package around Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro (though keeping those players and adding Kyle Lowry in free agency might be the more appealing option). The Boston Celtics could offer Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, though they might want to keep their young core intact rather than pairing Lillard (31) with a player like Jayson Tatum (23) on a much different timeline. The New Orleans Pelicans could build a deal around Brandon Ingram. 

There are so many factors to consider. Which franchises would LIllard be willing to play for? If the Blazers do entertain offers, will they be looking for established young stars who can help them win now, or are they OK with bottoming out? 

In any scenario, it's hard to imagine the Knicks having the most appealing offer. Perhaps enough future firsts to go along with their young players could push them over the top. But if  a vibrant market emerges for Lillard, expect the Knicks to miss out. 

The Knicks, at least, should be in a decent position regardless. As Begley reported, "People in touch with the organization recently came away with the impression that New York would be interested in trading for Lillard, but would also be content to take a longer-term approach with the roster if the right opportunity didn't arise."