It will be very difficult to convince Chris Paul to leave Phoenix, maybe impossible if the Suns win the NBA Finals. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

NBA agents fear New York Knicks might land Chris Paul in free agency

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 7/3/21

The New York Knicks enter the summer coming off an outstanding season with more than $60 million in cap space and a desire to land a star. For those very reasons, NBA agents seem to fear the Knicks will accomplish their goal.

It’s become an annual tradition every summer in New York. A top free agent hits the open market, fans get excited about that player coming to Madison Square Garden, and it ultimately never comes to fruition. But NBA rumors are making it clear circumstances are different this year.

The Knicks snapped their seven-year playoff drought, and Tom Thibodeau ran away with Coach of the Year honors. With so much momentum building in New York City and everything in place to land a star talent this offseason, many around the NBA believe one future Hall of Famer could sign with the Knicks.

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SNY’s Ian Begley spoke to multiple NBA agents who said there is a real fear that the Knicks could land Chris Paul this summer. Furthermore, CP3 is already reportedly on the Knicks’ radar if they can’t execute a Damian Lillard trade.

Paul has played at an incredible level throughout the NBA playoffs. The legendary point guard has added to his incredible resume, turning the Phoenix Suns from a lottery team into the Western Conference champions. While he’s focused on winning his first NBA title, the 36-year-old has already thought about his future.

While many once viewed Paul's contract as one of the worst in the NBA, he now might exercise his player option this summer. He would be owed $44.211 million for the 2021-’22 season, but many expect Paul to test NBA free agency.

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It will be very difficult to convince Paul to leave Phoenix, maybe impossible if the Suns win the NBA Finals. Living in Phoenix allows him to be just a short flight away from his family in Los Angeles, and it’s hard to imagine the veteran landing on a better championship-caliber roster.

But if Paul wants a change of scenery and another huge contract this offseason, the Knicks will be ready with a blank check. After going years without star-caliber play at point guard, Paul would be a fantastic addition to this team.

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This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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