Boston Celtics: 3 Eastern Conference Damian Lillard landing spots that affect Cs

Boston Celtics Damian Lillard threat #3: New York Knicks 

The Knicks are the most interesting to me of these three teams. That’s because, if they do end up winning the Lillard sweepstakes, I still don’t think they’re true contenders.

They’ll most likely have to part with budding sophomore RJ Barrett who’s shown great promise and is only 20 years old. What New York is left with is Julius Randle, who will likely receive a max deal once his current contract is up after next season, Damian Lillard, and not much else.

The only other players currently on contract for next season include Obi Toppin, Kevin Knox, Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, Norvelle Pelle, and euro transfer Luca Vildoza.

They would certainly have their work cut out for them to build around Lillard and Randle, likely needing another all-star level scorer to help Dame out considering how inconsistent Randle is.

Not to mention, they would have to use up almost all of their assets for the near future just to acquire Lillard.

So, while the Knicks wouldn’t be as big a threat to the Celtics as Philly or Miami would be if they get Dame, there are still paths to the Knicks becoming finals contenders a few years down the line if things work out for them.

Because, at first, the Celtics would be able to game-plan for Lillard as no one else on New York is a big enough threat. But again, if they’re able to build a competent team around that duo and get more weapons, Dame can elevate them to a point where they could become an issue.

Either way, it’s never a good feeling to see a division rival acquire one of the best talents in the league. Now, in all of these scenarios, the Celtics will remain in contention with whatever team acquires Damian Lillard.

I’m not at all trying to push a narrative that the Cs will be helpless if he finds his way to the eastern conference, but I think it’s fair to say that Boston’s road to banner #18 will become a whole lot tougher if one of these Lillard trades does end up happening.

Until then though, there’s not much we can do but hope and enjoy some Boston Celtics offseason highlights.