The New York Knicks not only got their point guard last summer, but his four-year, $104 million contract has looked more and more like an underpay. Jalen Brunson had a stellar regular season and carried his high level of play over to the postseason, too. Knicks fans should already be thankful for Brunson, but they should be even more thankful that New York doesn’t need to worry about being linked to an aging Western Conference guard in trade rumors.
After trading for Kevin Durant in the middle of the night leading up to the trade deadline, the Suns were booted from the semifinals in six games by the Nuggets. Chris Paul missed Games 3-6 with a groin injury and finished the postseason averaging 12.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in seven games while shooting 41.8% from the field and 32.1% from three.
The 38-year-old has a $30.8 million partially guaranteed salary for 2023-24 (will become fully guaranteed on June 23) and a $30 million non-guaranteed salary for 2024-25. Rumors have been flying around that Phoenix will look to move on from the veteran point guard in the offseason and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon echoed that on Friday by saying that it’s “pretty likely” that CP3 will be on a new team next season.
The Lakers have already emerged as the lead team for Paul, but that might not be the smartest move for Los Angeles. The good thing is that isn’t New York’s problem.
Knicks fans don’t have to worry about New York popping up in Chris Paul-Suns trade rumors
Chris Paul is represented by the CAA, which would be enough in itself for New York to pop up in trade rumors if it weren’t for Jalen Brunson. Look at Karl-Anthony Towns, a CAA client that’s already been linked to the Knicks if the Timberwolves do decide to shop him.
Paul averaged a career-low 13.9 points and 8.9 rebounds in 59 games for Phoenix during the regular season. He’s still in search of his first ring and his best shot to win one was supposed to be this year, but the Suns were run off their own court for the second consecutive year.
He’s no longer the player that he once was and is undoubtedly nearing the end of his career that started in 2005 in New Orleans. If it weren’t for Mark Cuban and the Mavericks, Knicks fans would have to be dealing with Chris Paul-New York trade rumors right about now. Thanks again for Jalen Brunson, Dallas.
New York Knicks all-time draft bust starting 5
The history of the New York Knicks is littered with poor draft picks. Here is the all-time draft bust starting five, stuffed with frontcourt players.