Damian Lillard thought he was traded to the New York Knicks
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard admitted he thought he was traded to the New York Knicks a few years ago.
Damian Lillard is a force of nature on the court as the point guard for the Portland Trailblazers. He’s had the job since Portland made him the sixth overall selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, out of Weber State. The New York Knicks are known for missing some great opportunities, and apparently, Lillard recalls one of them.
During an interview Lillard had with Lisa Robinson in the recent edition of Vanity Fair, the five-time NBA All-Star revealed, at one point, he thought he was traded to the New York Knicks. Back in the summer of 2018, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that Lillard preferred to stay in Rip City, but would accept a deal to either the LA Lakers or New York Knicks.
Lillard discussed how Madison Square Garden was his favorite place in the league to play, making NYK a preferred team. The non-stop trade rumors led him to believe that he was headed for New York. Eventually, “Big Game Dame” signed a four-year contract extension with Portland.
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A trade like this could have been very beneficial for the New York Knicks. Lillard has played a total of 607 NBA games. In that time, he has averaged 24.0 points and 6.5 assists-per-game. Lillard is also a four-time NBA All-NBA selection and was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2012-13.
Damian Lillard would have been great for the Knicks back then. The Knicks needed (and still need) a point guard who can lead them on the court. His scoring touch and three-point shooting could have opened the floor, as well. Plus, who knows how well he would have clicked with Kristaps Porzingis. The unicorn and Luka Dončić are a formidable combination for the resurgent Dallas Mavericks.
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How do you think the New York Knicks would have done if they traded for Damian Lillard? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.