The New York Knicks are doing everything they can to re-make their identity. After firing Steve Mills, they hired Leon Rose as the new president of basketball operations with hopes of shaking the negative stigma about their front-office.
Not long after, they brought in the head coach Tom Thibodeau to be their leader on the sidelines, a guy who is both widely respected and highly experienced as a head coach in the league.
With these moves setting the foundation for a culture-reset, it would only make sense that the Knicks look at bringing in a veteran star to help impart some more wisdom to the young and developing team. In that regard, is there a better option than Chris Paul?
As a 14-year veteran, CP3 has seen it all and has led countless teams through bitter battles in the West. This past season, he showed his value by helping the Thunder earn a surprising 44-28 record.
As Marc Berman of The New York Post wrote in a recent article, the Knicks could use 2018 lottery pick Kevin Knox to bring in Paul and have him serve as a leader and mentor to his younger teammates.
If Knicks president Leon Rose takes the leap for 35-year-old Chris Paul, he may have to give up on Kevin Knox, according to an NBA source.
The Thunder are motivated to deal Paul and his massive contract after deciding upon a rebuilding campaign following Billy Donovan’s firing. Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti likely will want a first-round pick and a young prospect still on his rookie contract, multiple league officials believe.
According to the source, that young player preferably would be Knox, the ninth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, who is coming off a disappointing sophomore campaign.
Interestingly, Berman also noted the potential return of Carmelo Anthony as a possibility if the Knicks are able to bring in Paul this offseason.
If the Knicks eventually give up Knox and Julius Randle in a Paul deal, Carmelo Anthony likely would look to ride back to the rescue and join Paul to be the team’s starting small or power forward.
Anthony and Paul are close friends and, of course, arguably Rose’s two favorite former clients from his days with Creative Artists Agency. Anthony, 36, rejuvenated his career in Portland this season. He has said he “prays’’ he can return to the Blazers as a free agent, but Paul coming to the Knicks could alter those plans.
Needless to say, the Knicks will be busy this offseason as they wrestle through multiple different options.
And while trading for Chris Paul is not their only path, it may be the best if they are committed to building a winning and positive culture for the franchise.
Paul, who turned 35 in May, is undoubtedly among the most elite point guards in the NBA.
