New York Knicks: Intriguing Point Guards Who Will Be Free Agents In 2017

Chris Paul, ETO

Age: 31 (5/6/1985)
Experience: 12th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .471/.395/.876
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.9 MPG, 17.5 PPG, 9.7 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.3 SPG, 1.9 3PM

The New York Knicks would ace free agency if they managed to sign veteran point guard Chris Paul. There’s a valuable connection that could make it possible, as Paul and Carmelo Anthony are close friends off the court.

Paul is widely regarded as the Point God for possessing a skill set that has no true weakness.

Paul is a legendary floor general who passes his teammates open, rarely turns the ball over, and orchestrates offensively like a maestro at work. He’s also an outstanding midrange jump shooter with an efficient outside shot and elite defense.

Unfortunately, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders is reporting that Paul and the Clippers have verbally agreed to a $200 million contract extension.

"Sources close to the process said that it’s already been verbally agreed to and it’s simply a function of the calendar and the new Collective Bargaining Agreement kicking in."

It would be tough for Paul to turn down a $200 million deal, but the Clippers are the perfect example of how fragile a verbal contract is. See: DeAndre Jordan.

Paul is a four-time assists leader, six-time steals leader, and eight-time All-Defensive Team honoree. Coupled with his eight All-NBA selections, including four first team nods, he’s as decorated as any point guard in the NBA.

With New York in desperate need of a point guard who can defend at a high level and facilitate, even the bare minimum from Paul would be of aid.

Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson will need to team up if the New York Knicks hope to successfully recruit Chris Paul.