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The Knicks have a major contender for Chris Paul, their first pick at point guard. And if Russell Westbrook hits the commercial market, the Knicks might have a challenger for him too.
ESPN reported that the Suns had gaining talks with the Thunder as part of a deal for Paul, who is a former client of Knicks president Leon Rose, when Rose was an agent.
Paul played for Suns coach Monty Williams in New Orleans in 2010 and 2011. To boot, the Suns have a cap to absorb part of Paul’s massive two-year, $ 85 million contract. of dollars.
The Knicks have also expressed interest, but the price Oklahoma City is asking would have been too high. The Post reported the Thunder as one of Knicks prospect Kevin Knox.
Sources told the Post that Paul prefers to play for a winning organization but still sees New York as an attractive destination. The Suns put in a remarkable 8-0 in the classification games in the Orlando bubble, but fell just before the game to 8-9.
The Suns are building around Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and little defensive forward Mikal Bridges, who the Knicks passed in the 2018 draft to No.9 to take Knox. Former Knicks coach David Fizdale said in an interview last Friday that Paul would be great for young Knicks players, but joining the Knicks wouldn’t be so good for his career as he looks to compete for a title .
Meanwhile, the Rockets have vehemently denied they will buy Westbrook after longtime general manager Daryl Morey leaves. The Post reported that previous executives believed the Rockets might be willing to listen to the offers and the Knicks would be interested.
The Ringer reported leaders still believe Westbrook could be despite their proclamation, the Clippers and Knicks would have the most interest. Westbrook turns 32 on Thursday, up from 35 at Paul.
New Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has indicated that Houston wants to compete for a title with Westbrook and James Harden.
“We’re always all-in,” Stone said. “Our goal is to win a championship. We will do all we can to get closer to this goal. The good news is we have some very, very good basketball players. I get a talented list that has already won; not at the level we want but won in a big way. It’s about being very smart to keep the good stuff going and being additive. You don’t want to do anything rash. You want to see if there are any changes that will help you. “
It looks like if the Rockets were to act at Westbrook, it would be for players who can make an impact now. The Knicks don’t have those strengths.
Rose has been exploring big game hunting, but recent indications indicate he likely won’t be able to blockbuster in the Short Window until training camp opens on December 1. .
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