Best Trade Destination No. 2: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks had a wonderful 2020-21 season, the first with Tom Thibodeau as head coach. They exceeded expectations, going 41-31 and earning the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Coming into the offseason, people expected the Knicks to make a huge splash. Armed with the most cap space in the NBA and extra first-round draft picks, New York has the ammunition for a huge move.
That move didn’t transpire, as the Knicks traded back in the NBA Draft multiple times, compiling future assets and some more cap space in the process. Quentin Grimes, Deuce McBride and Jericho Sims all looked great at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The Knicks brought back a majority of their core from last season’s team, re-signing Derrick Rose, Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel. They added Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier to replace Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
While some people graded this offseason poorly for the Knicks, they put themselves in a better position to acquire a player such as Damian Lillard. They have tradable contracts that won’t clog the salary cap and acquired multiple future draft picks in the process.
The Knicks are everything Lillard should want in a trade destination. They are an improving team making moves toward being contenders. There is enough depth on the roster and with their draft capital that they wouldn’t be left with barebones as they were when they acquired Carmelo Anthony.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Lillard, Hield, Ingles, Siakam
Also, the chance to play under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden would elevate Lillard’s star power to a level he would not be able to achieve playing in the greater northwest of Portland.
