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3 Ways the Damian Lillard blockbuster trade hurts the Knicks

By Mark Nilon

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 14: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on December 14, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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James Harden, Jrue Holiday. (Photo by Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks
James Harden, Jrue Holiday. (Photo by Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports) – New York Knicks /

1. Joel Embiid could grow more comfortable with Sixers

Easily the biggest name moved in the Lillard deal outside of the ex-Blazers guard himself was All-Star Jrue Holiday, who wound up being shipped out to Portland in the exchange.

With the decision to offload their franchise centerpiece, coupled with their selections of both Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray in the first round of this past June’s draft, it’s quite evident that there’s a rebuild afoot out in Rip City, meaning win-now commodities such as Holiday could very realistically be flipped for more future-focused assets.

Already, rumors are circulating that one of the losing parties in the blockbuster sweepstakes has an interest in targeting the guard, as Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported soon after the Woj-bomb was dropped that the Sixers “are interested” in acquiring the veteran.

Should this happen, not only could it help bring an end to the drama-filled James Harden tenure in Philadelphia, but it could also reassure superstar Joel Embiid that the franchise is looking to do everything in its power to build a proper team around him which, as one could imagine based off all the offseason chatter of a possible Knicks pursuit for the MVP, could pour cold water all over New York’s hopes and dreams.

A tremendous player on both ends of the floor who already possesses championship experience, Holiday finds himself coming off the best season of his impressive soon-to-be 15-year NBA career as he posted stellar per-game averages of 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from deep.

Still in his prime, the 33-year-old has the talent and proven track record of meshing perfectly alongside a ball-dominant big such as Embiid and has shown that he’s more than comfortable playing the role of second or third option within the rotation.

On paper, Holiday seems to be a seamless fit for this 76ers team and, in theory, could be someone who could finally thrust them over the hump past the second round of the playoffs and toward their first championship banner since 1983.

Should this happen, Knicks fans can kiss the idea of Philly’s cornerstone forcing his way to New York goodbye.

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