First of all, to all of you who honestly believe Chris Paul is going to turn down 20-30 million dollars to come play here in NYC... Well, I got a bridge to sell you. Remember, Carmelo said himself he would have eventually relented & accepted a trade to the Nets (had the Knicks opted not to trade for him).
I guess our 'best case scenario' is for a team to rent Paul. Dealing something to NO for his services this year, knowing he isn't signing an extension. This would mean we're still in the running. But, remember, Paul needs to sign extension with team by Jan 1st to get his Bird Rights.
I'll believe it when I see it folks. If CLIPPERS trade for Paul. Especially w/out surrendering Eric Gordon... LAC could boast a backcourt of Paul-Gordon, with Blake as their PF, and plenty of cap space to chase free agents this year & next. They could challenge CP3 to help LAC steal the arena/town from the aging Lakers. Would he accept that challenge? Turn that down (and about 20-30 mil) just so he can play w/ us? Carmelo wouldn't.
What pisses me off... Is that the NBA is involved in this deal. How can this be fair? The NBA didn't prevent McHale or West from helping out their old teams, but now that the Knicks have an insider in NO (Demps), we get no special treatment? It figures.
The good news is this should be resolved quickly. We should know soon where Paul goes, and if he signs extension.
BUT... make no mistake... There's NO WAY Paul is coming to NYK. I'll go even as far as this: DAVID STERN, who I cannot stand, told the hardliners during the lockout... that he was going to deal Paul to a small market team!
The impetus behind the lockout was b/c owners wanted to prevent players, and their agents, from dictated to owners where they're going to play. Small market owners were irate that stars wanted only the big market stage.
So why would Stern, coming out of the lockout, allow Paul to go to NY, getting everything he demands. This is test case #1.
Stern will deliver Paul to a small market and play chicken. He'll call his bluff. The only way Paul gets to NY is if he accepts less moeny. Signiifcantly less money. Simple as that.
Knowing David Stern, I have ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT this is his tact. I betcha this was even stated as the owners were talking over drinks.
NOW, I think the Knicks will wait b/c they know they might still get Paul. And, even if Paul signs the extension... They still have a shot at Howard or Deron. They might even fell like Nash is fine to settle on.
I just feel like Knicks have limited options come next year for BIG MEN.
Sure, as a fallback, they could recruit Nash & Camby. BUt, other than Camby, the only centers available in 2012 are restricted free agents (Kevin Love, Marreese Speights, Javal Mcgee, Jason Thompson, JJ Hickson & Roy Hibbert).
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-11-12
I guess the list is good enough that we can spend big to steal one of those RFA bigs. Mcgee or Thompson. Add an OJ Mayo & Steve Nash.
Not too shabby. In other words, after looking at next year's free agency... It's probably worth the move to hold our cap space for ONE MORE season.
As long as there's a slight chance... Might as well try. Hold and hope for Deron or Paul. Knowing we could settle for Nash. Plus there are pretty good options to bet on next year too. They come with risk, but not like we have enough this year to entice Nene, or steal Gasol anyway.
I would love Hayes though. He is a tough big who can guard the center position. I'll take post defense, even if he's smaller... b/c we lack that right now. I want to keep Amar'e far away from guarding centers.
THIS IS WHY I SAY FORGET PAUL... Knicks should target Howard right now. I would offer them Amar'e. If we could put Howard-Carmelo together, then sign a Paul, Deron or Nash next summer... Now we're talking. Then we'll get vets and mid-level people signing on to win rings.