NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Could Pursue Chris Paul In 2020 Offseason

After missing out on all of the top free agents last offseason, the New York Knicks might try to trade for an All-Star in the summer of 2020. According to NBA reporter Frank Isola, the team could go after Chris Paul in the upcoming offseason.

The Houston Rockets sent Chris Paul and draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook in July. Paul remained in trade rumors until the start of the season, but the Thunder were unable to unload the veteran and his lucrative contract.

The Knicks, according to NBA sources, have been gathering intel on All Star Chris Paul and could make a run at him this summer. Paul, 34, carries a huge contract but he’s had a resurgent season in OKC & is proven leader. (He was also once represented by...Leon Rose.)
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 5, 2020

Chris Paul’s age and contract are concerns. But look at what he’s done for Oklahoma City. He impacts winning on every team he plays for. The Knicks desperately need his leadership and toughness. (He also works the refs non-stop.)
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 5, 2020

Paul, 34, is averaging 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He made the All-Star team and has turned Oklahoma City into arguably the biggest surprise of the season. A 38-24 record gives the Thunder the No.6 seed in the West, putting them just 4.5 games behind the No.2 seed Los Angeles Clippers.

New York is 19-43, making them the No.13 seed in the East. The Knicks will miss the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

Oklahoma City isn’t considered to be a legitimate title contender, and the front office has its eyes on the future. Paul will likely be available at the right price in the summer as the Thunder attempt to keep acquiring future assets.

Oklahoma City was willing to send Danilo Gallinari to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, despite being in the playoff race. The deal was never completed because Gallinari and Miami couldn’t agree on a contract extension.

Paul has two years and $85.5 million left on his contract following this season. Despite his recent performance, the guard’s contract could allow the Knicks to trade for him without giving up several valuable assets.

The Knicks have two first-round picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, including one that could be near the top of the lottery. New York owns all of their first-rounders going forward, as well as two future Dallas Mavericks’ first-rounders.

It’s been years since the Knicks had an above-average starting point guard. Mark Jackson was the last Knicks point guard to make the All-Star team, doing so in 1989.

Forward Julius Randle leads New York with 3.2 assists per game this season.