If rumors are correct, the New York Knicks recently got an interesting proposal that came from Houston. The Rockets supposedly put their star point guard, Chris Paul, on the offering plate but New York refused even to consider. The offer was rejected because of Kevin Durant, chiefly, and among other things.
According to The New York Post, the NY Knicks found Paul as too heavy of baggage. First, the All-Star point guard joining the team's roster will come with a stiff price, $160 million to be exact, which is the total worth of Paul's live contract with Houston. Second, Paul has now been deemed a liability in the making at 34.
In the past two seasons, Paul was hobbled by injury and was forced to skip 24 games. It is believed as well that the star point guard has reached his peak and is now on the slide in terms of overall performance.
And it was obvious that the move by Rockets was largely to unload Paul and create cap space for possible head-hunting in the free agency market. The Knicks sensed the play and thought wise not to participate.
The Knicks would want to reserve a max slot so they can make an offer that would convince Durant to exit from the Golden State Warriors. According to Yahoo Sports, prior to KD's injury woes in the past season his transfer to New York has been seen a done deal.
It's unclear now if the same status is being observed by the NY front office given Durant is officially out of action for the duration of Season 2019-20. But the Knicks will not be stopped from their mission of scoring an NBA title. Yahoo said the alternative plan is to woo Kawhi Leonard, who recently won an NBA ring playing for the Toronto Raptors.
Back in Houston, the Rockets front office has already made clear that Paul is not on his way out and the same goes with James Harden. Amidst the rumors that the two All-Stars are in the middle of a feud and the damage done is now irreparable, Houston GM Daryl Morey has maintained that his team's lineup will remain intact.
Morey said he is in fact on a mission to look for an additional star for Houston, a third All-Star who would increase the team's chance of reaching the NBA Finals and perhaps, win the crown. Reports said the Rockets are looking to recruit Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, Butler can only be available if the Rockets can offer him a substantial super-max. And that precisely what fuels the Paul trade rumors. Houston has to ship him out to the New York Knicks for cap space in order to make room for Butler.
