An unexpected meeting between the New York Knicks front office and one of the most powerful agents in the sport could set up a blockbuster trade in the next few days, or possibly a deal that brings Lebron James to Gotham in the summer.
The New York Knicks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last month. Following their blockbuster trade in December for 3-and-D stud OG Anunoby, they have gone from a playoff contender in the East to one that is becoming a favorite to reach the Conference Finals this spring.
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The team has one of the best defenses in the league, a roster that hustles and gives extra effort, and a legitimate under-the-radar superstar in Jalen Brunson. However, a case could be made that they are one impact player away from bringing New York its first NBA championship since 1973.
Over the last few weeks, the team has been linked to stars like Zach LaVine and Dejounte Murray on the trade block. However, there has always been an unusual hurdle blocking those deals from happening. Their agent Rich Paul.
Paul is the head of Klutch Sports and he has a long-standing rivalry with Knicks President Leon Rose from their days working together at powerhouse agency CAA.
Major hurdle blocking Dejounte Murray, Zach LaVine, or Lebron James moves to New York Knicks removed
Various reports over the last year have claimed Paul has zero interest in letting any of his clients take their talents to New York, and he has quite a stable of NBA clients — including long-time pal Lebron James. Well, it seems those issues may have been addressed just days before the NBA trade deadline.
On Friday night, New York Post Knicks reporter Stefan Bondy claimed team brass “and Rich Paul met today and ‘things were hashed out'” and the two sides will “Focus now moving forward with a better relationship.”
This is huge news because a notable hurdle that may have been holding up a Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine trade has now been removed. The New York Knicks have the draft assets to land either player, so if they want them a deal could be finalized in the next few days.
Another interesting caveat to this situation is Lebron James. There has always been talk that James has had an interest in playing in New York. With the Lakers a mess currently and James owning a player option for next season, it is not completely out of the question that he could bring his talents to Gotham to play on a team that is evolving into a title contender.
Ending his career by getting New York its first title in over 50 years would be quite a final chapter in a legendary career.