OKC Thunder: Pros and cons of trading Chris Paul to New York Knicks

Another talented Canadian youngster:

If there is one player on the Thunder who CP3 might cite as his favorite odds are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be the easy selection. If the duo isn’t hooking each other up on the hardwood they are competing off it in post-practice shooting drills or bowling matches in the middle of CP3’s Take it There interview with Taylor Rooks.

When the Thunder played both LA clubs on the 18th and 19th of November CP3 took SGA and rookie Darius Bazley home with him a day ahead of the team flight. Sports Illustrated Rohan Nadkarnijian noted the pair often watches and dissects games together. They have what could best be described as an older and younger brother’s relationship with SGA soaking up every tidbit Paul serves up like a thirsty sponge.

This pro point might be more aptly assigned to the Knicks who boast their own young talented Canadian (R.J. Barrett) who is eager to ascend to the next level. Like SGA, Barrett is supremely talented and it could be argued would be even better with the right point guard playing beside him.

In fact, the Knicks have a bevy of young talents who could benefit from the Point God’s high I.Q., swagger, and leadership. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson are the most intriguing of those assets but therein lies the rub as any deal Sam Presti would entertain would likely include one or both of them.

Let’s not forget the Clippers trade for Paul George hinged on two things — that one extra draft pick, and landing the previously untouchable Gilgeous-Alexander.