With the rumors swirling around Chris Paul leaving the Rockets, teams that could absorb his contract like the Knicks were immediately brought up.

However, it doesn't look like New York will be Paul's new home.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor has heard from sources that the Rockets have actually reached out to the Knicks about Paul. But the Knicks "refused" to delve into a potential trade.

This can be viewed as a smart business decision for the Knicks. First, is the money side of things as Paul would've been moved into one of the Knicks' two max slots. He is owed $38 million this season, followed by $41 million in 2020 and $44 million in 2021.

Now those numbers would be different if the Knicks were getting Prime Paul. But they would be taking on that contract for a 34-year-old Paul that showed a clear decline in his game last season in Houston. This isn't knocking Paul being a veteran leader on and off the court, as well as one of the smartest point guards in the game. But his play isn't what it used to be as age has caught up with him.

If the Knicks are going to spend that type of money, it should be for a point guard like Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker -- players that are still in their primes.

And the Knicks would also have to give up their young assets in a deal. They may have been willing to do that for Anthony Davis had the Lakers not made a deal. But for Paul? It's a different story.

The Rockets will continue to shop Paul, but the Knicks will also continue to keep their focus on the top free agents on the market.

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