The New York Knicks prefer to trade for Chris Paul, but they do not have the assets to complete a deal.

They also might not have the salary-cap room to sign him next summer. If the cap remains flat, as expected, the Knicks could have as little as $13 million available. Paul will be eligible for a deal starting at $17.4 million.

If the Knicks are determined to make room for Paul, they may have to dump Toney Douglas and Iman Shumpert next July.

They would also have to avoid signing anyone to more than a one-year contract, knocking them out of the running for the top free agents.