Does this trade make sense for the New York Knicks?
The benefit here for the New York Knicks is clear. They are a franchise looking to take the next step and could continue to rebuild and do it quickly with a player like Damian Lillard. He is one of the top players in the game and has plenty left in the tank to lead a team like the Knicks.
New York had a strong regular season but show their true colors during the playoffs. Julius Randle was named the league’s Most Improved Player but disappeared during the postseason. He is not a long-term star to rely on if the next want to get to championship level.
With Lillard in the lineup, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett become second option and that makes the lineup deeper right away. Especially when considering the Knicks could feature Kemba Walker in a supercharged sixth-man role. Damian Lillard is the type of player that can thrive in any system and Tom Thibodeau would be able to keep New York near the top of the standings.
The Knicks are desperate for a superstar. This is something they have not had it since the days of Carmelo Anthony and they have missed out on plenty in recent years. If Lillard comes to town, the culture will be changed and the next can say they were officially back.
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It would be a true start to a new era for the Knicks if the team were to pull off a trade for Lillard. New York would ideally look to add another star to go along with him in ways similar to what the team initially sought when they pursued Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving before they signed with the Brooklyn Nets.
