Following $104,000,000 Acquisition, Damian Lillard and James Harden Get Struck Out Despite Desperation: “Not the Player I’m Cashing In My Chips For”

James Harden and Damian Lillard’s relentless trade requests are still dominating the 2023 offseason. Several teams looking to make a championship run are in the race to acquire the two NBA Top 75 List members. One of them is the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks had a terrific season in 2022-23. They returned to the playoffs after missing out in 2021-22, also making a deeper run than the last time they made the playoffs. The team looked balanced after they added some pivotal pieces to their roster. However, they could not get past the eventual Eastern Conference champions, Miami Heat in the second round. With an impressive season in their ranks, the Knicks have all the reasons to hunt for a star player. However, a veteran analyst feels James Harden and Damian Lillard are not the answer.

Damian Lillard and James Harden in Knicks situation

Damian Lillard and James Harden trade talks have been rampant. The New York Knicks interestingly emerged as strong contenders to land them. The Knicks are a truly prestigious franchise in the NBA. From the city to the Garden, the franchise has it all to lure any star player they wish to sign.

However, in the past two decades, the Knicks have only been able to sign one superstar, Carmelo Anthony. After a disastrous season in 2021-22, the Knicks made a significant move to get themselves back t0 playoff contention.

Read More: Despite Its 77-Year-Old Rich History, Only Two Knicks Stars Have Earned $100,000,000 and More

The Knicks signed Jalen Brunson for a massive $104M contract during the 2022-23 free agency. Brunson had an immediate impact with the Knicks, becoming their most consistent performer in the regular season as well as the playoffs. However, after their elimination in the second round, the Knicks realised they need a superstar to strengthen their roster.

The franchise has multiple assets in terms of draft picks. They also have players in the roster that can serve as great trade assets. However, they are yet to make a major move. This was discussed in a recent segment on ESPN’s NBA Today.

Talking about the Knicks, veteran analyst Bobby Marks said, “I think they’re as well positioned as any team out there….they can trade 8 first round picks….there are no players on this roster that are max players….I think they are waiting for the right player. Every year, there is a marquee player available….I think if you’re New York, you’re just kind of sitting patiently waiting for that right player.”

Bobby Marks had his say about the situation brewing in New York. However, another veteran analyst, Zach Lowe seemed to disagree.

Lillard and Harden struck out of Knicks roster contention

James Harden and Damian Lillard shocked the world with their decision to get on the move this season. The two have had unbelievable careers in the NBA, becoming superstars in their own right. They have established themselves as the premier options in the league in the guard position. The Knicks however have a terrific guard in Jalen Brunson. Zach Lowe felt they would not be the right fit in New York for this very reason.

Talking about the Knicks’ position, Lowe said, “Patience? They made the second round last year…..that’s a real playoff run, that’s a real season.”

He also talked about why they have not been able to sign superstars in a long time. “I think that’s the point….because of the continued dysfunction and losing of the team….maybe I’d actually want to hitch my career to that team,” he added.

However, he struck off the possibility of the franchise signing Lillard saying, “A 33 year old point guard who is 6’2,6’3….is not the player I’m cashing in my chips for. I’m looking for a big or I’m looking at a big wing….those are the player I’m looking at.”

Watch This Story: Damar Hamlin and Bronny James: Did Bills Star and LeBron James Son Faced a Similar Medical Issue?

Zach Lowe strongly opposed the Knicks choice to sign another guard. However, with Harden and Lillard being one of the best guards in the league, they may not be so easy to pass on.