Trade rumors have begun to emerge surrounding the New York Knicks, with no shortage of some star-studded players to turn the franchise around.
Year after year, the same cycle continues to occur for the New York Knicks. It begins with them having a subpar season, continues with rumors that help is on the way in the form of star players, and concludes with them missing out on said stars. As Albert Einstein famously said, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results,” and it appears that the Knicks are going psychotic.
This time around, it comes reports that the Knicks could potentially pull off some moves for All-Stars Damian Lillard or Devin Booker. Speaking on Lillard, Marc Berman of the New York Post stated the New York Knicks could be a desirable destination for the 5-time All-Star if he wants out of Portland. “If scoring point guard Lillard asks for a trade, it’s believed the Knicks or Lakers would be his choices,” Berman wrote.
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Lillard recently revealed that he believed a trade to the Knicks was imminent a few years ago, but nothing ever came of it. “I thought I was headed a few years ago. I was hearing trade rumors. The Garden is my favorite place to play.” That last part fueled speculation further, and when Berman’s report came out, New York fans were ecstatic.
As for Booker, the Knicks hiring Leon Rose as their president has sparked rumors because of their past connection. Booker was a former client of Rose’s, and Berman believes that connection could soon lead to a reunion in New York.
“However, since Leon Rose was hired as president, the player to watch out for the most is Suns combo guard Devin Booker, according to league sources,” he wrote. Much like the Knicks, the Phoenix Suns have not accumulated much success over the years, and Booker could potentially soon want out if they cannot turn things around.
Booker recently spoke highly of Rose shortly after he was hired, praising him. “I think he’ll do unbelievable,’’ Booker said of Rose. “One of the most genuine guys I know. One of the most honest guys I know. So I’m happy for him in his new position. I think the Knicks are in really good hands.’’
As desirable as these rumors sound, it seems to be all just a pipe dream at the moment, and New York fans should not hold their breath just yet. Lillard debunked any trade rumors shortly after the reports came out, stating that he wants to stay in Portland. “My stance ain’t changed. This is a result of a pandemic and lack of content lol.”
Booker has that connection to Leon Rose, but the guard signed a five-year contract extension last offseason with the Suns and clearly wanted to stay there. If he were to eventually request a trade, the Knicks likely could not match the godfather offer that Phoenix would undoubtedly want anytime soon for the ascending star.
At the moment, fans of the Knicks should not get their hopes up on landing Booker or Lillard. Wishful thinking has often led to disappointment for this franchise in recent memory, and this situation shows similarities to their big plans last offseason.
As many remember, everyone was sold that the team would land Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and potentially even the No. 1 overall pick to draft Zion Williamson. However, instead, they ended up with Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, R.J. Barrett, and a few other decent players. Those were not horrible additions for the team, but when the expectations were Durant, Irving, and Williamson, what transpired was a letdown.
Perhaps this could finally be the offseason that the New York Knicks break the spell and land some top-tier talent, but fans should not get their hopes up just yet. Hopefully, the addition of Leon Rose and William “Worldwide” Wesley to the front office can put the team on the right track, but pulling off a move to land a star of Lillard or Booker’s stature might be too far-fetched at the moment.