Rumored Frontrunners to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Knicks Set Sights on $34,955,667 Damian Lillard Replacement After End of 23-Year-Old Curse

With the NBA undergoing a seismic shift, a big-market team like the New York Knicks is planning to up their level. They have now targeted the $34,955,667 Damian Lillard replacement, after chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Interestingly, all these moves are arriving following the end of their 23-year-long curse last season.

The Knickerbockers seem to have changed their strategy as they look to up their level by a notch. In their hunt for glory, the franchise possesses enough firepower to get their way as the league keeps a close eye on them.

Who is their latest target after their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo?

After the Greek Freak made his demands for the Milwaukee Bucks public, hinting at changes, the Knicks were quick to react. During that phase, the team became rumored frontrunners to land the 28-year-old as the face of the franchise. Their efforts went in vain when the 2021 NBA champions landed Damian Lillard to partner Giannis on the court.

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Portland Trail Blazers got generous compensation, while Lillard fulfilled his dream of playing for a title contender. His former employers landed Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, but according to recent reports, he might be on his way out too. The point guard expressed his desire to play for an organization that would like to retain him and win.

That’s exactly where the New York side came into the equation, as they refused to give up on their path for betterment. The Knicks may meet the expectations of the 33-year-old, who has a $34,955,667 worth of one-year contract left. The way of operations within the setup has been changing for some time as they re-singed Mitchell Robinson last year.

Robinson became the first draft pick in 23 years to sign a more than one-year-long deal with the team. It showcased their intention to build a core of players. Jrue could become part of this project, but the path for them again would not be easy.

Can the Knicks land Jrue Holiday?

If the recent rumors are to be believed, the Los Angeles Clippers have shown interest in the 2-time All-Star too. The franchise wants to give it their all next season with their talismanic figures reaching the twilight of their careers. Amidst the competition, the 2-time championship-winning franchise looked confident.

They have a trick up their sleeves this time around. Reportedly, the Blazers are looking for trade capital and the Knicks may offer them exactly that, alongside future draft picks. The Clippers, on the other hand, do not have this sort of flexibility at their disposal.

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As a new season approaches fast, this new trade drama could become a defining one for the entire league. Can the New York Knicks land the Olympic gold medalist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.