Lillard thought he was being traded to Knicks 'a few years ago'

Damian Lillard thought there was a distinct possibility he was going to be starring under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

"I thought I was headed there a few years ago," he told Vanity Fair's Lisa Robinson in an interview published Thursday. "I was hearing trade rumors."

With two years left on his previous deal, the 29-year-old ended up signing a four-year, $196-million extension with the Portland Trail Blazers last summer, all but assuring his presence in the Pacific northwest through 2024-25.

In addition to acknowledging the rumors, the five-time All-Star revealed that the Big Apple holds a special place in his heart.

"The Garden is my favorite place to play," Lillard said.