Damian Lillard shocked the basketball world when he signed a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. The move gave a huge boost to the Knicks as they enter a multi-year stretch where they believe they can compete for a championship. Not only is Lillard no longer in the Eastern Conference, but the Trail Blazers kept him from signing with New York's arch rival, the Boston Celtics, who reportedly had interest.
Lillard likely won't play a minute this season, after he tore his left Achilles tendon during the Bucks Game 4 matchup against the Indiana Pacers.