Blake Griffin thinks Chris Paul would be ‘great’ fit for Knicks with key trade date set to arrive

Chris Paul becomes eligible to be traded starting Monday. He had rejoined the Los Angeles Clippers on a one-year deal for what he has stated is his final NBA season, but has been away from the team since December 3rd after the Clippers decided to part ways with him amid reported friction with coaches and executives. The Clippers indicated they would assist Paul in finding a new team.

The New York Knicks have previously held internal discussions about a potential trade for Paul. The Knicks have faced a weakness at the backup point guard position for much of the year following Malcolm Brogdon's sudden pre-season retirement, though Tyler Kolek performed well in that role during a recent NBA Cup semifinal victory.

Blake Griffin, a former teammate of Paul's during their "Lob City" era with the Clippers and now an NBA analyst, commented on a potential Knicks-Paul pairing. Griffin highlighted Paul's proven ability to adapt his role and be a leader and mentor for teams, citing his positive impacts in Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and San Antonio. He believes Paul would be a great fit for the Knicks.

An additional connection is that Knicks president Leon Rose was formerly Paul's longtime agent. However, Griffin admitted the idea of Paul potentially finishing his career with the Knicks feels strange to him, calling it "crazy" while also acknowledging the Knicks are a great team.