NBA Rumors: Blazers Naming Billups As Coach May Raise Chances Of Knicks On Star Guard

There remains no word on what lies ahead for Damian Lillard although the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to try and keep him. However, the recent announcement that Chauncey Billups will be the Blazers' next head coach could factor in.

Lillard has been drawing flak for allegedly pushing for Billups to succeed Terry Stotts. But according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the all-star guard never suggested the 44-year-old for the coaching vacancy.

Regardless, the heat is on Lillard right now. Haynes feels that the social media backlash could result in the six-time NBA All-Star exiting, something that could benefit the New York Knicks.

It was Jason Kidd, not Billups, that Lillard had vouched for per Haynes. Kidd took out his name from the list of coaching candidates and instead took on the head coaching duties of the Dallas Mavericks.

Billups was named the Blazers' new head coach on Sunday. He got a five-year deal with the amount of money included not revealed. However, his signing did not escape some dark history. This included a 1997 rape allegation although no charges were filed.

That happened when Billups was still with the Boston Celtics. He and Ron Mercer were accused by a woman of sexual misconduct when all were at the home of Antoine Walker. Billups has since settled the civil lawsuit filed by the female victim, ESPN reported.

For the Knicks, it could be an opportunity to cash in and get Lillard. The 30-year-old is high on the list of New York who is willing to let go of three first-round picks in any deal.

For now, all these should be taken with a grain of salt. Only Lillard knows what lies ahead and the chances of him sticking it out with the Blazers remains. A better picture of the matter should crop up this offseason.