There is finally some noise coming out of Portland. After an offseason full of NBA trade rumors, the Trail Blazers shook things up a bit by firing longtime general manager Neil Olshey. He joined the organization in 2012, the same year that Damian Lillard was drafted.
With Olshey out, could Portland soon see the end of the Lillard era?
After another slow start to the season, the All-Star point guard is allegedly unhappy with the current situation in Portland. There could also be some turmoil between the team and new head coach Chauncey Billups. This means that the offseason rumors could come to fruition.
Lillard was linked to two specific teams — the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Recently, Stephen A. Smith claimed that the Knicks are the No. 1 landing spot.
“The only thing that would really really tickle him and make him entertain wanting to leave Portland, believe it or not, is going to the New York Knicks,” claimed Stephen A. on a guest appearance on NBA Countdown. There are people in his camp that would like to convince him to give Philadelphia stronger consideration.”
“Damian Lillard knows that if he were in the mecca, it would be far easier for him to recruit teammates to wanna come and play with him as opposed to him being in the Pacific North-West.”
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For Lillard, the benefit of going to New York opens up more business opportunities and the chance to do something many have failed at — bring a title to the Mecca. The question for Lillard is what team has the best chance to win and for the Sixers, it is which team can give the best return. Neither has a clear answer.
Right now, the Sixers give Lillard the best chance to win. They are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, despite falling behind in the standings a bit due to health and safety concerns. With Lillard taking over the point guard position, the Sixers would have an elite duo with Joel Embiid and take a huge step forward.
As for the return, Ben Simmons would lead the way and the Sixers would also include some draft picks. The real question is if Philadelphia would have to part ways with Tyrese Maxey. The Knicks also have some players and draft picks to give up. This is something that is not usually associated with the Knicks.
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The allure of the New York Knicks is off the court as well. On the court, it is hard to argue that they are a better product than the Philadelphia 76ers. When factoring in the return and the off-the-court aspect, it is a close race.
If Smith is right and Damian Lillard wants to be a Knick if he is traded, this is a n-brainer for the Big Apple. The team needs an All-Star point guard and Lillard could be the player that turns things around completely for New York.
