Damian Lillard looks cropped
Knicks GM Scott Perry will get consideration for the same position with the Trail Blazers, SNY’s Ian Begley can confirm. Portland fired GM Neil Olshey, who had been with the organization since 2012, Friday after an investigation into allegations that he created a toxic workplace.
While the Trail Blazers conduct a search for Olshey’s permanent replacement, Portland has elevated director of player personnel Joe Cronin to interim GM.
Chicago Bulls GM Marc Eversley is expected to be considered for the vacancy, according to a report by Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes. G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim is also expected to get consideration for the job, sources told Begley.
Before the 2021-22 season July 22, Perry signed a two-year contract extension with New York.
Begley reported Nov. 18 that a vacancy in the Trail Blazers’ front office “could lead to some movement within the Knicks or Nets front offices,” explaining that Perry “has a strong relationship with Chauncey Billups.“
Perry was a member of the Detroit Pistons’ front office from 2000-07 and coincided with Billups (2003-09), a star point guard for the franchise over his 17-year playing career (1997-14). Billups, a first-time NBA head coach, is 11-12 entering Saturday’s game against the Boston Celtics.
Sep 30, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry speaks to the media during media day at the MSG training center in Greenburgh, NY. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Damian Lillard expressed loyalty to Portland, teams continue to closely monitor his situation with the Trail Blazers, Begley can add.
Through 20 games, Lillard is averaging 21.5 points on 39.7% shooting while adding 7.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 35.7 minutes.
The six-time All-Star point guard has been considered a potential Knicks target since this past offseason when trade rumors started to swirl.
