The latest New York Knicks rumors have connected the team in the trade market for Damian Lillard, Paul George and James Harden. While all three All-Stars seem to be on New York’s radar, a trade seems increasingly unlikely as of now.
Sportsnaut’s Mark Medina reported Thursday that Lillard won’t report to any team the Portland Trail Blazers trade him to unless it’s the Miami Heat. It puts additional pressure on Portland’s front office to give Lillard what he wants, a trade to Miami, while limiting their suitors to one team.
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Lillard isn’t the only player not interested in playing for the Knicks. The disinterest of two NBA stars in being traded to New York limits its options. However, there’s reportedly another reason why New York is unlikely to swing a blockbuster trade anytime soon.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks are being “steadfast in holding to their own price point” for any NBA stars that hit the trade market. Whether it’s Harden, George or Lillard, New York isn’t interested in raising its offers to Portland, Los Angeles or Philadelphia.
The strict approach at the negotiating table and the refusal to adjust what’s on the table is taking the Knicks out of the running for anyone right now.
In negotiations with the Los Angeles Clippers, there was a wide gap regarding the All-Star forward’s value. Los Angeles wanted three first-round picks and RJ Barrett. Not only was New York unwilling to approach that price, but it also wasn’t comfortable signing George to an immediate contract extension this summer.
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The Knicks have the contract, young talent and future draft picks to be well-positioned to acquire any NBA star that requests a trade. However, president of basketball operations Leon Rose continues to abide by his hard-line approach to negotiations.
Unless a young superstar becomes available, someone who could be a franchise star in New York for the next five-plus years, it appears the Knicks will merely monitor the trade market for the time being.
