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3 Stars Knicks should avoid like the plague if they become available

By Jordanna Clark

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau stands on the court during the first quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau stands on the court during the first quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Another offseason where the New York Knicks will be linked to any and every disgruntled star is here. Last summer, the Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks agenda was in full force for a couple of months before the Cavaliers swooped in and traded for the All-Star guard. The front office is now tasked with waiting to see which players may or may not be available this offseason.

Once the NBA offseason officially begins soon after the Finals wrap up, fans should start to learn a little more about the direction that the Knicks want to go in. Some players could (and should) be on the move, and there are also players that New York could bring in via free agency or a trade.

In terms of big-name stars, there are a few that the Knicks shouldn’t make a move for if they do become available.

3 stars Knicks shouldn’t trade for this summer if they become available

3: Damian Lillard

With no disrespect to Damian Lillard, if he does want to be traded from the Trail Blazers, it shouldn’t be to the Knicks. He’ll be 33 at the start of the 2023-24 season, but he proved once again this past season that he’s still one of the best in the game. Lillard averaged a career-high 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.8 assists while shooting another career-high of 46.3% from the field and 37.1% from three.

Portland has the No. 3 pick in the draft and the organization is reportedly willing to trade the pick for a win-now veteran. If the Trail Blazers want to keep Dame (and they do), they need to do everything that they can (subscription required) to build a winning team around him this summer. If not, he could leave the only team that he’s played for since being drafted in 2012.

Lillard’s been connected to several teams such as the Nets and the Heat, as well as the Knicks because of their assets. New York got its point guard of the future last offseason in Jalen Brunson and he most definitely won’t be on the move this summer, but the idea of a Brunson-Lillard backcourt has been brought up. There’s no denying that Dame has the talent, but the Knicks will have a tight window to win a championship with him.

Is Damian Lillard the sought after star that New York should pursue if his time in Portland comes to an end? It doesn’t seem like it.

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