Chris Paul has seen it all and has led countless teams through bitter battles in the West. Last season, he showed his worth by helping the Thunder earn an astonishing 44-28 record.
As Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote in a recent article, the Knicks could use the 2018 Kevin Knox lottery selection to bring Paul and have him serve as a leader and mentor to his younger teammates.
If Knicks president Leon Rose makes the leap for 35-year-old Chris Paul, he may have to give up Kevin Knox, according to an NBA source.
The Thunder are motivated to take on Paul and his massive contract after deciding on a rebuilding campaign after Billy Donovan’s firing. Oklahoma City CEO Sam Presti will likely want a first-round pick and a potential youngster still with his rookie contract, several league officials believe.
According to the source, that young player would preferably be Knox, the ninth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, who will come out of a disappointing second campaign.
Interestingly, Berman also noted Carmelo Anthony’s potential comeback as a possibility if the Knicks are able to bring Paul into this offseason.
If the Knicks eventually give up on Knox and Julius Randle in a deal with Paul, Carmelo Anthony will likely look to come back to the rescue and join Paul to start the squad small or mighty.
Anthony and Paul are close friends and, of course, probably Rose’s two favorite former clients from her days with the Creative Artists Agency. Anthony, 36, has rejuvenated his Portland career this season. He said he “prays” that he can return to the Blazers as a free agent, but Paul coming to the Knicks could change those plans.
It goes without saying that the Knicks will be busy this offseason as they struggle between multiple different options.
And while trading for Chris Paul isn’t their only path, it could be for the best if they are committed to building a winning and positive culture for the franchise.