According to ESPN’s Frank Isola, the New York Knicks could be eyeing a trade for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chris Paul this summer. Isola tweeted:
The Knicks, according to NBA sources, have been gathering intel on All Star Chris Paul and could make a run at him this summer. Paul, 34, carries a huge contract but he’s had a resurgent season in OKC & is proven leader. (He was also once represented by…Leon Rose.)
Chris Paul will turn 35 years old in May, but his age hasn’t slowed him down this season. Paul is currently averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 assists per game and his efficiency numbers have even increased as the season has progressed.
How would Chris Paul fit in with the Knicks?
For as bad as the Knicks have been this season, they do have draft capital and financial flexibility. Chris Paul will have 2 years remaining on his massive, 4 years, 159 million dollar contract. He’d be owed 41 million in 2021 and 44 million in 2022.
Should the Knicks take on that kind of money for someone nearing the end of their career?
Probably not. The Knicks would be wise to allocate their money towards younger players and build their team through the draft, something they haven’t be able to do as an organization since the 1990s. A trade for an over-the-hill superstar seems like a typical, panicked, win-now Knicks move. However, CP3’s terrific play this year makes this scenario more interesting.
Chris Paul has helped a Thunder team with zero playoff expectations become the current 6th seed in the Western Conference. The Knicks may believe CP3 could have a similar effect for their franchise.
A future Hall-Of-Famer, Chris Paul’s knowledge of the game and competitiveness could do wonders for the Knicks’ younger players. His leadership is invaluable and is something the Knicks are sorely missing at the moment.
Most importantly, new Knicks president Leon Rose is Chris Paul’s former agent. Paul recently commented on how excited he was about Rose being named the Knicks’ new president. Who knows, maybe CP3 could make New York an attractive place to play again.