Jan 6, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles down the court against Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Sign Chris Paul in 2018

This makes most sense and is probably the most realistic move for the Knicks. Yes, he is north of 30-years-old, but CP3 will still have at least three good playing years left in him after next year. They need somebody who can dish the basketball and Paul is currently the best passing point guard in the game along with Russell Westbrook.

This season, he is averaging close to a double-double at 17.7 points and 9.5 assists-per-game. The thought of him feeding Kristaps Porzingis for ally-oops or open three-pointers has to put a smile on Knicks fans faces. Paul is also good friends with Carmelo Anthony which could make the Knicks an intriguing option for him.

Unless the Los Angeles Clippers win a title by next season, there is a very good chance that CP3 will leave as a free agent. He has to be sick of not getting past the second round of the playoffs and will probably want to sign with an Eastern Conference team where his path to the finals won’t have to go through teams like the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

Of all the teams in the East, the Knicks currently make the most sense for Paul. All of the other top teams in the conference already have star point guards. The Cleveland Cavaliers have Kyrie Irving. The Boston Celtics have Isaiah Thomas and the Toronto Raptors have Kyle Lowry (both of whom are free agents in 2018, but their respective clubs will probably do everything they can to resign them).

If the Cavaliers could trade Irving or move him to shooting guard, they could become the favorites to land Paul. Cleveland would also probably be his top choice as they would give him the best shot at a ring and a chance to play with LeBron James. However, barring some sort of disaster in the playoffs in the next two seasons, it is hard to imagine any major shake ups to the Cavs roster.

Another option for CP3 could be the Spurs if Tony Parker retires within the next two seasons. San Antonio would also give Paul a realistic shot at winning a championship and he would probably love to play under Greg Popovich, but who knows if Parker will want to hang it up by the end of next year?

A lot could change over the next year and a half, but the way things currently stand, the Knicks have a realistic chance to sign Paul next summer. He would form a nice “Big Three” with Anthony and Porzingis and make the Knicks a top team in the East.

Would they become the team to beat over the Cavs? Probably not. However, they could give Cleveland a run for their money.

Paul wanted to be traded to the Knicks prior to the 2011-12 season, but New York did not have the cap space to do it after acquiring Tyson Chandler. It’s still hard to imagine he wouldn’t love the chance to play in the Big Apple.