The New York Knicks are under new management and they are reportedly preparing their first big move after missing out on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency in July. The Knickerbockers could add another star in the trade market, according to recent rumors.
As per the New York Post’s Frank Isola, New York has been “gathering intel” on Thunder point guard Chris Paul, and the Knicks “could make a run at him this summer”.
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.)
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 5, 2020
Contrary to what everybody believed before the start of the season when Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the move that sent Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets, CP3 is having a terrific season with the young team of the Thunder.
He was named an All-Star for the first time in four seasons in 2019-20, and he’s been the catalyst for an impressive Thunder squad.
Something to have in consideration here is that the veteran point guard is also a former client of Leon Rose, who took over as the Knicks’ president on Monday. As New York is on its way to its seventh straight lottery appearance, Paul could help bring the franchise back to relevance.
New York would absorb the two years and $85 million remaining on Paul’s contract in a trade. Paul only has 2020-21 guaranteed on his contract, though he is unlikely to turn down a $45 million player option for 2021-22. Adding the point guard could damage the Knicks’ hopes to land one big free agent in 2021, which could include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Victor Oladipo.
