What Would It Take To Get Chris Paul To The New York Knicks

Reports have began circulating the New York Knicks are doing their homework on Chris Paul, considering a possible run at the point guard in the offseason. What would it take to pull off the block-buster trade?

I’m not here to argue IF the New York Knicks should trade for 34-year-old Chris Paul, but WHAT it would take to acquire 10 time All-Star.

It’s going to be hard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks to reach a deal on the point guard that’s for sure. While the Big Apple is filled with young assets and a stockpile of first round picks, no one knows how willing new team president Leon Rose would be to part with his riches.

According to Ian Begley, the Knicks were hesitant to move Kevin Knox at this year’s trade deadline. That gives a pretty good indication of how Steve Mills felt about the sophomore forward, but fortunately for New York, he’s no longer making the decisions.

Since Rose wasn’t part of the regime that drafted Knox out of Kentucky in 2018 he may be much more inclined to move the disappointing sophomore. The 20-year-old is shooting a career worse 36.2% from the field and 32.3% from behind the arc, while seeing his minutes drop 10.9 a game from last season.

That doesn’t mean Knox hasn’t shown signs of potential this season. In the New York Knicks first five games of the season Knox averaged 12.3 points while shooting 44.2% from the field and 52.4% from three. Knox won’t even turn 21 till this summer, can the Knicks really give up on him already?

RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson are clearly off the table, meaning the New York Knicks would have to include other young players like defensive stopper Frank Ntilikina and high flyer Dennis Smith Jr. Both will only be 22 at the start of next season. It stings to part with both players, especially the Frenchman has shown tremendous strides in his game this year.

Frank has always been a defensive monster, but this season his offense has shined. Ntilikina had a 10 assist performance in the New York Knicks January 1st victory over the Portland Trailblazers. The point guard showed great connection with Robinson on the pick roll, leading to some fiery alley ops.

I don’t believe it’s going to be players that prevent this deal from happening but picks. OKC is clearly invested in their rebuild after trading Paul George to the Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 5 first round picks. When they trade Chris Paul they’re going to want picks in return, something the New York Knicks have been very hesitant of doing this year.

Will Leon Rose feel the same way about the teams first round picks? The ties between Rose and Paul could play into the team’s decision. The point guard falls under Rose’s long list of former clients. If Leon Rose is committed to getting Chris Paul he may not be afraid to throw in two first round picks. I trust the first time team president wouldn’t use the Knicks very precious 2020 first round pack.

Chris Paul won’t be cheap. It’ll cost the New York Knicks a few valuable picks and a collection of young players, a steep price for a 34-year-old making 84 million over the next 2 years. While Paul would be able to mentor players like Barrett and Robinson is he worth what the Thunder will be asking? We’ll have to wait and see what Leon thinks.