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Mar 21, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 21, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns are two wins away from earning their first championship in franchise history. Their superstar Chris Paul is in tremendous form to place his team at such a stage in the league. Nonetheless, for how long will he hang around with the Suns after an exemplary season?
Recently, Chris Paul became part of the trade talks involving the New York Knicks acquiring him next summer. So rumors indicate that Paul is opting out of his final year contract with the Suns that would have summed up to $44 million. Having said that, other franchises also immediately started looking out for the star point guard.
Rumors around Chris Paul wearing Knicks jersey next summer
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The NY Knicks are becoming a prospect for Chris Paul. The rumors accelerated especially after the Knicks made their first appearance in the Playoffs since 2013. And now, former Knicks legend Earl Monroe is eager to have Paul at MSG.
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) greets guard Chris Paul (3) after his baskst scored against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game one of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
“I would love to see him at the Garden,” Monroe mentioned in an interview with New York Post. “His game is made for 33rd Street. I would love to see it, but I don’t know if it will happen. You get to a point he’s going to teams — except for OKC — that can compete for the championship. I don’t know if the Knicks can compete unless they get another piece.”
NY Knicks looking to develop their roster
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Despite a loss to the Hawks in the postseason’s first round, the NY Knicks played an underdog role this season. MSG was decked up with excited fans in the stands cheering for their team. Notably, Julius Randle was Knicks’ leading star this year alongside his individual accolades.
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau (left) and Julius Randle (30) react after Randle fouled out of the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The 1973 Knicks champion, Monroe believes that Paul’s addition could make the Knicks an even stronger competitor next season. He said, “They (Knicks) have a nucleus of guys. They need a little bit more. They were very competitive all year and didn’t have [center] Mitchell Robinson most of the year.”
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Monroe played for the Knicks for nine long years, winning a title for the team during the time. His desire for Paul’s trade to his city is still an unanswered prayer. The Suns’ star is building his career’s biggest moment for now; will he switch his interests to the Knicks?
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