The New York Knicks are the water in the mill currently as the free agent and trade rumors are flowing prior to the NBA Finals. Players such as Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and more have reached the surface in potential Knicks deals – one of these players presents an interesting opportunity.
Houston Rockets point guard, Chris Paul, is the player of notice. We have all heard the rumors that Durant is buying a house in New York and is leaning in this direction, however, one perennial All-Star isn’t going to make the Knicks a finals-caliber team.
Bringing in a player like Paul to compliment Durant might get the job done, though. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has put every player on the market as he attempts to piece together a quality team after a disappointing finish in this year’s playoffs.
While a James Harden deal seems off the table, Paul is very much included in his statements. The question is, what would the Knicks have to give up to secure him? I imagine the No. 3 overall pick and additional players would be the minimum asking price.
The general concern over trading for Paul is his behemoth contract. A five-year, $159.7 million deal that will pay him $44.2 million in 2020 is the huge “STOP” sign standing in front of a potential deal. I can not imagine the Knicks parting way with that much cap-space if they also want to bring in Durant as their second max-contract.
However, Paul is one of the NBA’s best floor generals and scoring point guards, which represents his value and price-tag. Some former teammates have presented concern over his attitude and locker room personality, which could be a deterrent for the Knicks and their young team. They need a pure leader that can help the younger player develop, but also win on a consistent basis.
My final conclusion is that the Knicks should stay very far away from a Chris Paul deal. It would be a classic trade for the Knicks, and it would be one that bites them in the butt down the road.