New York Knicks: 3 moves that will help them make the playoffs in 2021

Trade for Chris Paul

If there’s one thing that the Knicks have failed to do consistently is to find the right veteran leadership to help mentor their young roster, throughout the course of the last few years. But there’s one clear veteran leader that will likely be on the trade block during the summer that will make at least some sense for New York.

That’s Chris Paul. Even though many believe the Knicks shouldn’t take the bait, the impact that he had on the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019-20 can’t be overstated. With the right players around him, he could potentially do the same in New York.

I know one of the big concerns regarding this move is the potential repercussions it’ll have on the team’s cap sheet in the future. Well, Paul’s contract is only for two more seasons. To say that the Knicks would be tied down for years down the line is a fallacy. You can make the argument that having his $40 million due for the 2021-22 season could hinder the team’s chances in the 2021 free agency. With that said, was this team realistically landing any of the big-name free agents in the first place?

Was Giannis really going to sign with the Knicks? Does he really want to team up with RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson? I have a hard time believing that. Forget about the 2021 free agency class for one second, and think about what Paul could do for the team in the next two seasons.

Paul is coming off a season in which he averaged 18 points, seven assists, and five rebounds on 49 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range. He still has some left in the tank and the Knicks should bite the bullet and bring in Paul to help lead their young roster.