3 superstar free agents Knicks can acquire and how

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MAY 11: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clipperslooks to pass during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on May 11, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

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1. Chris Paul

Paul gets the slight nod over Leonard on this list because he’s more likely to make a move away from his current team. NBA officials believe the All-Star guard is ready to decline the $44.4 million player option available to him this summer in hopes of locking in a lucrative, long-term deal. The Knicks have more than enough cap room to make Paul the kind of offer he will be looking for.

Paul would give New York an even more substantial upgrade at point guard over what they might be able to get from Conley. He’s a true alpha-dog who can elevate the game of everyone else on the Knicks’ roster. It would be particularly interesting to see how he might be able to help Barrett finally fulfill his potential as an efficient scorer on the wing.

Of course, handing Paul a massive free-agent contract as he enters his age-37 season comes with significant risk. Age aside, his sordid injury history should also give New York pause. The chances of him making it through a full 82-game slate without missing significant time just aren’t very good.

Next. Which free agents should the Knicks re-sign?. dark

That’s why any Paul contract should come with certain team protections based on games played. Convincing Paul to accept that kind of deal might be tough, but the Knicks shouldn’t just hand him a blank check. Even so, landing him at the right price is probably the best outcome New York can hope for this offseason.

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