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How The 2021 NBA Draft Lottery can still impact the Knicks

By Ken Tavarez

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts as they take on the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts as they take on the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers tries to speak with CJ McCollum #3 after McCollum drew a technical foul during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 06: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers tries to speak with CJ McCollum #3 after McCollum drew a technical foul during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center on December 06, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Lakers won 136-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

What Bulls moving up in NBA Draft lottery means for Knicks

The situation in Portland doesn’t look good. While Damian Lillard would prefer to play his whole career for the Trail Blazers, there isn’t a clear path to improving the team. But there isn’t a team out there that can make a compelling trade offer to Portland for Lillard. However, if Chicago moves up in the NBA draft lottery they can create a trade package centered around  a top 4 lottery pick and Coby White.

If Portland agrees to this then they might as well start a full rebuild, that is where the Knicks come into play. The Knicks then could make a run at CJ McCollum. Adam Silver would prefer Lillard stay in Portland if they can build a contender, if not, he would love to see Dame and CJ come east and play in Chicago and New York.

This is what the Knicks’ proposal for CJ would look like if Portland goes into rebuild mode.

This trade gets  the Knicks the lead guard they need to pair with RJ and Julius. While everyone would love to have Dame instead, CJ is not a bad consolation price. He would also cost a lot less to acquire than Dame, and his contract is large, 3 years/$100M, with a player option when he is 33 years old. Offering Mitchell Robinson on an expiring contract, Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox, and a protected 1st round pick is reasonable for a player of McCollum’s caliber.

Again, Portland would only do this deal if they were going to do a full rebuild.

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