The New York Knicks are another team that can justify trading for CP3. And, according to Frank Isle of SiriusXM NBA, they are thinking about it.
In the 2019-2020 period, Paul has shown he has a lot in the tank.
He is currently 16th in the more / less and more lethal box than ever from the mid-distance, and the three-guard lineup that leads into OKC is one of the best in the NBA. When Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder are all on the floor, the Thunder are more than 31.4 points per 100 possessions (100th percentile).
It is not difficult to understand why the Knicks are interested despite Paul’s age and massive contract.
They can offer OKC four expiring contracts and a choice in the first round (or more if they become desperate) to take on Paul. Such trade would obviously open up tons of flexibility to the Thunder, allowing New York to keep intriguing youngsters like RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina.
Of course, if Paul is said to be back on the market, a bidding war could ensue. This could force New York to replace one of the above expiring contracts with at least one or two of the young people mentioned above. But if he can keep most of the core while adding Paul, he probably should.