Could this be the Peyote Zen Master's plan all along?
https://www.sny.tv/knicks/news/the-path-to-chris-paul-becoming-a-knick-next-season/201122298
Since it is unquestionably the biggest elephant in the room, and likely the team's biggest distraction this year, let's get address it in September. The Knicks can clear enough money to sign Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers' guard who is destined for the Hall of Fame that is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.I know what you're thinking and I'm with you, but Ian Begley of ESPN got the ball rolling already so it needs to be addressed:
"The Knicks can also clear the point guard position altogether by renouncing both Jennings and Rose, which would leave them with approximately $24 million in cap space. In this instance, it would take only a minor move for the Knicks to put themselves in position to offer a max contract to a veteran with as many as six seasons of experience -- a deal that's projected to start at around $25.5 million in 2017.
New York also currently owns its 2017 first-round draft pick, which will likely impact its cap space in 2017 free agency. Assuming the Knicks keep the pick, it will count against the cap. The 2017-18 first overall pick's rookie-scale deal will start at roughly $5 million."
Like teammate Blake Griffin and other top-flight point guards that include Rose and Toronto's Kyle Lowry, Paul has the option to become a free agent this summer. Paul, a perennial All-NBA selection and close friend of Carmelo Anthony is always among the game's leaders in PER thanks to his ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. Like Anthony, Paul has struggled to get his team to the NBA Finals and this year probably won't be any different for the Clippers with Kevin Durant signing in Golden State.
While it's worth noting next summer's free agency class, it's important to remain focused on the 2016-17 season. Ideally, Rose and Anthony will mesh; giving the Knicks the decision to have a little negotiating power against Paul should he opt out. Best case scenario for Knicks fans would be an amazing comeback year for Rose and Paul to opt out of his contract to provide options moving forward.
If Kristaps Porzingis can make even greater strides this year it would make playing with Anthony that much more attractive for Paul, one of the game's all-time best pick-and-roll specialists.
I'm torn. Even at his advanced age, he could literally pick and pop KP to 20 PPG in his sleep. If CP3 could make a lesser talented David West average 21, the sky would be the limit with KP in elevating him to superstar status.
But then there's that nagging gut feeling that Paul would fall apart before we get to see this magic transformation.
Should we go with a proven HOF point guard or should we draft a potentially point guard running mate for KP??? This is tough!!!
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