Damian Lillard
With credit to Portland’s quick retooling this past year, the clock remains ticking on Lillard’s patience with the franchise. The Knicks can’t bank on a trade request, but they should be prepared in case one happens in the next couple of years, which wouldn’t come as a shock given recent close calls.
Lillard is on the wrong side of 30 and would likely require the Knicks to trade Jalen Brunson, but few other stars of this caliber have made themselves almost-available to the Knicks. Ideally, he’d bring someone along in free agency or New York would have another trade ready to strengthen the core around him.
If Dame wants out, and Portland looks to cash in for its rebuild, New York will have the picks and prospects for it. Just expect a package similar, if not greater, to the one Utah received for Mitchell.
Bradley Beal
Trade murmurs circled Beal for seemingly years now, though he’s remained content, perhaps to secure the max extension Washington offered him this offseason. Another year of falling short of the postseason could drive him to want out.
He’s not the caliber of player Lillard is and is a bit older than Mitchell, but Beal would offer the Knicks an elite scoring package to build around. He averaged 30 points in back-to-back seasons before last year, including in his first-round loss to the 76ers in 2021.
Once again, this wouldn’t be a cheap package and New York would need to retain enough assets or have the cap space to net another high-level player to round out a contending roster.
Zion Williamson
Another name we’ve heard a ton in trade rumors, this time with many evident links to New York. We’ve also had past reports of some friction between him and his current franchise, something to watch out for.
Should Williamson want out, or New Orleans get cold feet over his health, a monster package of Randle, filler, prospects and picks could reunite him with college teammates Barrett and Cam Reddish. Their timelines fit nicely and should make for as dynamic a grouping in the NBA as they did in college.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
There hasn’t been any real intel on SGA wanting out, but any star entering his prime in the tank capitol of the sports world after tasting the playoffs in years past has to consider the grass might be greener elsewhere. Not to mention the team’s drafting of Josh Giddey has sidelined SGA from more point guard duties and could impact things.
The Knicks would need to offer up a Mitchell-sized package, which may not even suit Oklahoma City given they already have a million picks every year. His fit would be tremendous as a two-way guard who can play both positions, adaptable to any roster the Knicks may have at the time. He’s also just 24 years old.
