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Chris Paul: 5 potential landing spots in free agency

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 8, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-91. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Paul
March 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball up court against New York Knicks during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New York Knicks

Another unlikely destination, the only way the New York Knicks would even remotely be considered by Chris Paul is if Phil Jackson is unable to trade Carmelo Anthony. With the franchise looking to rebuild around Kristaps Porzingis, the odds here aren’t great.

However, if Jackson is unable to find a team that A) is interested in Melo and B) is an enticing enough destination to get him to waive his no-trade clause, perhaps the embattled Knicks All-Star would try to improve his situation by recruiting another All-Star and fellow banana boat member, Chris Paul.

Would that be smart for a Knicks franchise that’s still several pieces and a couple of years away from being truly relevant among the Eastern contenders? Probably not, being that CP3 is 32 years old and would be looking for max money if he were to turn down $200 million from the Clippers while not joining a legitimate title contender.

Related Story: 5 potential landing spots for Gordon Hayward in free agency

However, a Big Three of Melo, CP3 and Porzingis would be enough to get the Knicks back to to the playoffs and add more star power to a major market franchise that’s addicted to big names. Melo’s friendship with Paul could be a factor if he somehow worked his way off the trade block, and CP3 would have an easier time getting that conference finals monkey off his back in the East.

New York’s best option would be to trade Melo, stay the course by rebuilding around the Zinger and remain patient, but as we’ve seen far too many times with this franchise, that rarely happens. Fortunately for both parties, there are better options to consider here.

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