Alan Hahn CP3-to-NY has low odds right now. For one, he has big payday awaiting after this season, which is why he declined extension with LAC and everyone in the NBA knows that. Of course we also know not to trust any of these star free agents know what they want from one season to the next. And, yes, he and Melo are very close. Second, here comes the cold water, teams over luxury tax apron can not execute a sign-and-trade for a free agent, which means Knicks may not be able to pull it off next summer. But hypothetically, if CP tells Clips at trade deadline he isn't re-signing, Knicks could have a valuable piece in Lin to offer in package for CP3. Lin would have to consent to trade, but still, having Lin as an asset -- again, hypothetically speaking here -- gives you a chance if your heart is really set on CP.