The ripple effect of a Chris Paul trade between the Thunder and Knicks

What a Chris Paul Knicks deal would have looked like

In what has been a completely unwarranted surprise, Paul’s lucrative deal almost warrants value in any potential deal. And for the New York Knicks, that’s the worst of news.

Not only does their young core grow less appealing or intriguing by the game, but they need to continue stockpiling as many first-round picks as possible.

That being said, my best stab at what a trade like this would have to look like on both sides.

Depending upon when the trade goes down, the Knicks could also just find a way to absorb Paul’s salary, by way of their plethora of team options they’ll have to decide upon soon. Nonetheless, for it to happen right now, this is where a deal (at least) starts.

New York gets Paul, a leader for the locker room, and an excellent point guard mentor for whatever is left of Dennis Smith Jr. And the Thunder, well in addition to offloading the point guard’s contract, get numerous young, still raw pieces and Gallinari insurance in Julius Randle.

The Rooster, a former Knick, is likely going to bolt for free agency this summer. He was already tied to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, and there’s said to still be interest.

It’s hard to say just how much better Paul makes the Knicks. He’s accustomed to having legitimate shot makers on his side of the court, a department where New York is lacking.

But rolling out a starting lineup of Paul, RJ Barrett, Reggie Bullock, anonymous free agent acquisition, and Mitchell Robinson isn’t the worst place to start. Could they bring Carmelo Anthony back into the fold to man the power forward position during this transition?

New York, a team that’s struck out on young point guards time and time again, solidifies the position behind Paul, one of the best in history, and bonafide floor general. Their prized rookie and franchise cornerstone gets a real passer to play next to, and the Knicks are (somewhat) fun again.

But most notably, a trade for Paul likely signals their throwing in the towel on Frank Ntilikina. After three seasons, it’s safe to say New York won’t be the home where he develops his offense to the same level of his astute defense. As for the Thunder…