Where Do Knicks Stand on James Harden, Damian Lillard Trade?
Let's make a deal? The New York Knicks are apparently politely declining for the time being.
A report from SNY's Ian Begley says that the Knicks aren't expected to pursue current trade block stars James Harden and Damian Lillard. Harden inked his $35.6 million player option with the Philadelphia 76ers with the intention of collaborating on a trade while Lillard is set to finally end his 11-year tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Begley's report states that neither should expect a call from the Knicks.
"James Harden and Damian Lillard are both available via trade," Begley notes. "But as of late Saturday night, I don’t believe New York has been aggressively pursuing either player. I don’t believe New York has been aggressively pursuing either player."
Begley also provided an update on the Knicks' interest in Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George, but it once again hints at no imminent movement east. George's fate, in fact, could be tied to Harden.
"(The Knicks) spoke to the Clippers about a potential Paul George trade prior to the draft," Begley said. "But Los Angeles, reportedly, would want to keep George and Kawhi Leonard together to play with Harden if they’re able to trade for him. As things currently stand, the Knicks seem likely to enter next season with the 2022-23 roster mostly intact."
To Begley's final point, the Knicks have bid farewell to Derrick Rose (who had long fallen out of the Knicks' rotation) and are still expected to trade his fellow exile Evan Fournier. Options have also been exercised on Josh Hart and Miles McBride while Donte DiVincenzo is poised to be their most prominent newcomer.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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