Chris Paul Rumors: Knicks, Warriors, Lakers Linked If Suns PG Becomes Free Agent

Add the New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors to the list of teams interested if veteran Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul hits free agency.

"If Chris Paul is out there as a free agent this summer, look at the two teams in L.A.—the Clippers and Lakers—the Knicks in New York, or the Golden State Warriors," said ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday's NBA Countdown. "Those would all be potential destinations for Chris Paul, who would then sign a deal at a much lower number than the $30 million he's guaranteed in Phoenix if he stays there past that June 28 deadline."

The Suns have informed Paul of their plans to waive him, according to TNT and Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes. Paul "plans to play for several more years and is eager to help a team contend for a championship," Haynes reported.

Two years remain on Paul's four-year, $120-million deal. If the Suns waive him before June 28, he will only be guaranteed $15.8 million of the $30.8 million slated on his contract for 2023-24. Paul is guaranteed no money for the following season, per Wojnarowski.

That price in addition to Paul's recent playoff experience (he helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021) and pedigree (he was an All-Star as recently as 2022) could make the veteran point guard an attractive option for either the Warriors or the Knicks.

Golden State point guard Jordan Poole, who was a key part of the Warriors' 2022 title run, struggled last season as his role changed with the return of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry from injuries. If the Warriors decide it is time to move on from Poole, they might want to fill in the position with a veteran like Paul.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have Jalen Brunson to build around, with Immanuel Quickley behind him in the depth chart. The Suns have reportedly expressed interest in Quickley, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. It would make sense for New York to offload a guard if they were interested in adding to their depth at the position, so perhaps Quickley and Paul could end up swapping places if these two teams decide to pursue those moves.

Given Paul's resume, the hype around his free-agency destination is only destined to grow as teams wait for further news about Paul's potential release.