The Knicks might have new competition for Damian Lillard.
If the Trail Blazers plan on trading Lillard this offseason, the Warriors reportedly are interested in the superstar point guard, according to The Athletic.
“They’d make a call and have already internally discussed the idea, as I’m sure most contenders have, considering the rising smoke out of Portland,” The Athletic’s Anthony Slater said as part of a roundtable.
Lillard, who is under contract through the 2024-25 season, is said to want out of Portland because he reportedly wasn’t on board with the hiring of head coach Chauncey Billups and doesn’t see championship potential in the Blazers.
Although the Knicks and the Sixers are also believed to be vying for Lillard, the Warriors may be able to put together the best trade package for the 30-year-old guard.
The Warriors could offer the No. 7 and No. 14 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, plus 2020 No. 2-overall pick James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins and future first-rounders — all of which would be crucial for Portland as it begins life after Lillard.
A backcourt with Steph Curry and Lillard, who averaged 28.8 points and 7.5 assists per game last season, and the return of Klay Thompson from an ACL tear could turn Golden State back into a superteam — albeit at the cost of some defense and its frontcourt.