Knicks willing to part with RJ Barrett in potential trade for Damian Lillard?

The New York Knicks are in the market for a superstar this offseason after a surprisingly impressive 2020-21 campaign. 

They're rumored to have interest in Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and, based on reports, they might be willing to part ways with a key part of their future to get the deal done.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks might be willing to part ways with RJ Barrett, who isn't considered an untouchable in a potential deal for Lillard.

Lillard has indicated several times this summer that he has not demanded a trade away from the Trail Blazers. However, the rumors won't die down after another disappointing season in Portland. 

Barrett had a breakout year during the 2020-21 season, averaging 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 44.1% from the field and 40.1% from deep.

The 21-year-old told ESPN earlier this year that his stellar sophomore season had a lot to do with working on certain aspects of his game during the offseason, allowing him to be more comfortable on the court. 

"I'm a lot more comfortable," Barrett said. "Like last year, if you iced me on the ball screen and made me go right, I'd be done. Now, I've learned how to snake and get back to my left or still get to where I want to on the court ... or I can go right now and finish with my right hand.

"It's tougher to stop when you add more things to your game."

Barrett was one of the driving forces behind the Knicks' playoff push and is considered to be one of New York's vital future pieces. If the Knicks want someone like Lillard, though, then Barrett might be their most prized asset. 

However, it remains to be seen how interested the Blazers would be in Barrett. In a piece analyzing the former third overall pick's future, a Western Conference executive told ESPN that he doesn't view Barrett as a franchise player. 

"I don't view him as a franchise or star-level player," the executive said. "I think he's a complementary scorer and bucket-getter. His shooting has helped his efficiency, but he still plays a lot off the bounce and hasn't proven able to make those shots.

"If he can improve as a finisher and his shot selection, he has a chance; because he can get to the paint and get to the line, and that's what the best players do."

If an executive doesn't view Barrett as a star player, then the Knicks will have to give up much more than just him in any deal for Lillard.