New York Knicks: 5 Possible Trade Scenarios for Chris Paul

With the chances of an NBA season looking more and more bleak, let's talk about everyone's favorite rumor mill point guard, Chris Paul.

There's been talk of him wanting to join the New York Knicks ever since LeBron James took his talent to South Beach.

As of right now, the only way that would happen is if the Knicks traded for him.  I know the Knicks don't have much talent to trade away, but there's always a deal to be made when both sides really want to get one done.

So here are five possible ways Chris Paul can join the New York Knicks.

Chauncey Billups Package No. 1

A lot of these scenarios are going to involve "Mr. Bigshot" himself, Chauncey Billups since he's got the biggest salary besides Amar'e Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony.

This first one involves trading away Billups and some draft picks from way down the road since the New York Knicks don't necessarily have any for the next couple of years.  

Under the old CBA, the salaries matchup allowing them to be swapped for each other.

Why would the New Orleans Hornets do this?  Save salary.  Everyone remembers when the NBA had to step in and run the Hornets.  Billups has one year left as opposed to Chris Paul's two.

The trade would save them approximately $2 million and then after Billups' contract expired, they would have around $14 million to play with.

This trade would be a cost-saving move by the Hornets and a steal for the Knicks.

Chauncey Billups Package No. 2

Here's another trade package headlined by Chauncey Billups, but this time Landry Fields and Toney Douglas are added instead of those picks.

Landry Fields was a surprise last season, earning the starting job at shooting guard.

Fields is an efficient scorer both from within and beyond the arc.  He's also one of the league's best rebounding guards.

Toney Douglas is a great scorer who's more suited as a 2-guard instead of at the 1.  He also plays relatively good defense (well, for a Knick anyway).

Those two, along with Billups's veteran leadership and contract could convince the New Orleans Hornets to part with Chris Paul.  Then again, probably not. 

Amar'e Stoudemire

We're looking at all possible trade scenarios here, and swapping Amar'e Stoudemire for Chris Paul is certainly one scenario.

It's least likely to happen than the first two.  In fact, there's a good chance this won't happen at all, but let's look at it anyway.

Mike D'Antoni needs a point guard of Chris Paul's caliber for his style to be effective.

The New Orleans Hornets need a big man since they don't know what David West will be like when he comes back from his injury.  They also don't know if he's going to leave through free agency.

So the deal sounds right on paper and New Orleans would love to have another superstar.

However, I'm pretty sure the New York Knicks didn't sign Amar'e just so they can trade him a year later.

Carmelo Anthony

Since we talked about Amar'e Stoudemire, might as well throw Carmelo Anthony in there.

Of course, this stands less of a chance than that one since the New York Knicks pretty much gutted their roster, and future, for Anthony.

The New Orleans Hornets would get a certified star as well as one of the best scorers in the game.

The New York Knicks would finally get that floor general Mike D'Antoni desires so much.

Another trade that sounds good, but the toast at Anthony's wedding was meant for Chris Paul, Amar'e and Anthony to play together, not be traded for each other.

Not to mention I'm pretty sure the Knicks wouldn't trade Anthony so soon.

Chauncey Billups Package No. 3

This final trade scenario follows the mold of the Carmelo Anthony Trade in that the New York Knicks gut their roster again.

Here we have Chauncey Billups and his favorable contract headlining the deal.  Landry Fields and Toney Douglas join him as well.

The Knicks also throw in whatever's left of their bench.  Renaldo Balkman and his defense would be sent along with Bill "Sky" Walker and his amazing dunking skills.

Also being moved is Iman Shumpert who the Knicks just drafted. Once he actually gets a contract that is.

Draft picks would sweeten the deal, and I think the New Orleans Hornets have an offer they'd have to at least look at.  Granted, it's not exactly the best offer in the world, but it's better than nothing.

The Hornets save money while building their future.  The Knicks finally get their own Big Three.  Will this trade happen?  Probably not, but it's nice to dream especially since there's still no basketball.