The New York Knicks reportedly refused to succumb to a trade that included the Houston Rockets sending them Chris Paul.
Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul is in the news this week after a bombshell report. Paul apparently wants out of Houston. due to a toxic relationship with Rockets guard James Harden. Paul was going to enter his second of a four-year, $160 million contract in the 2019-2020 season.
Now, a report from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer states that the Rockets attempted to open up CP3 trade discussions with the New York Knicks. New York evidently refused to succumb to the idea.
O’Connor writes, “The Rockets recently explored trading Chris Paul into New York’s cap space, but the Knicks refused, according to league sources.”
It’s unclear why the Knicks refused this trade. Fans can only assume it was due to Paul’s age (34), along with his expensive contract.
The Knicks have room for two max slots this summer and most likely will attempt to use one on Kevin Durant. At least that was the thought prior to the NBA Finals.
Durant’s ruptured Achilles may keep him out for all of next season. Therefore, fans may not even get to see Durant play until the beginning of the 2020-2021 season.
The other slot could be free agents Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson or any others on the market the Knicks feel are worth it to sign.
If the Knicks do end up signing Durant, they should definitely also look to upgrading the guard spot. A dominant player at the one or the two would eventually complement Durant well, but could also work well with RJ Barrett. The Knicks are projected to select Barret with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft Thursday night.
Paul is a great point guard and has been his whole career, but the Knicks most definitely want to look for younger talent when it comes to acquisitions.
