Sure, Knicks boss Leon Rose might be interested in trading for Chris Paul, and Paul himself might be amenable to a move to the Big Apple, but one former head coach for New York doesn’t think a marriage between CP3 and his former agent is a good idea…
For Paul, that is.
David Fizdale, appearing on ESPN’s The Jump alongside Amin Elhassan, Paul Pierce and host Rachel Nichols, gave his two cents on one of the NBA offseason’s most-discussed potential trades.
He admits that Paul could aid in the development of some of the Knicks’ young players, but that Paul himself might get the raw end of a deal that could land him at Madison Square Garden.
New York, the former coach said, would get much more out of the deal than Paul would.
“His position fits the young players that they have. Mitchell Robinson needs a Chris Paul, RJ Barrett needs a Chris Paul, Kevin Knox needs a Chris Paul, and so because of the position placement, that’s why I say, he could end up — especially in the East, in the bottom of that East, you don’t know what’s gonna happen — he could squeak ’em in [to the playoffs] probably… but for him, I just don’t think it’s a right move for what he’s trying to get out of his career.”
It’s hard to disagree with the Fizdale.
Although he only lasted 104 games with the Knicks, he’s been around the block a few times, most notably helping the Miami Heat win two championships while serving under Erik Spoelstra.
There’s no question that Paul is a winner and has maximized the talent surrounding him at every stop, including Oklahoma City. But at 35 years old, his opportunity to win a championship is quite limited, and New York is nowhere near contention.
David Fizdale hedged on the idea the Knicks should trade for Chris Paul, but sees the benefit (via The Jump):
“His position fits the young players that they have: Mitchell Robinson needs a Chris Paul; RJ Barrett needs a Chris Paul; Kevin Knox needs a Chris Paul.” pic.twitter.com/lf3xpI8yx3
— Knicks Film School (@KnickSchool) November 6, 2020
What makes the Paul saga so interesting is the fact that the NBA season is going to begin much sooner than anyone expected as recently as a few weeks ago.
The players will report for training camp on Dec. 1 and it’s all but certain that the Thunder will move Paul out by then, if for no other reason than to avoid the circus. That is, of course, unless Presti plans on keeping him. Few expect that, though.
One can’t help but to wonder if Leon Rose happened to watching ESPN on Friday and whether Fizdale’s words will have any impact on what Paul’s former agent decides he wants to do, especially in light of a recent report of Presti potentially setting the parameters of a possible deal.