NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul to NY Knicks to Join Carmelo and Amar'e a Formality

We knew it was coming. We had speculated about it for over a year. But no one was prepared for this.

Merely days after a tentative agreement was reached to end the NBA lockout, Chris Broussard tweeted that Chris Paul's supposed interest in the New York Knicks was alive and strong.

While many expected us to cross such a juncture, few expected it to be this soon. Before the season has even began, Paul's preference to leave New Orleans for New York has apparently become public. So let the madness begin.

The Knicks have far less assets than they did when they acquired Carmelo Anthony, but if Paul is indeed exerting his leverage, it gives them an edge. Not only are the Hornets going to have to deal with the Knicks if he is, but would not have nearly as much time as the Denver Nuggets did to dance around and raise New York's offer.

Paul may be poised to do what Anthony didn't, which was waiting until free-agency to sign with the Knicks. Do you think this would prove to be huge? You're right, it's wouldn't be. It would be gargantuan.

Why is this move by Paul so imperative? After all, hasn't the plan all along been to sign him next summer? Yes, but his supposed willingness wait, means the star point guard could be in orange and blue before next summer, perhaps even before the 2011 year is out.

New Orleans does not want to become the Cleveland Cavaliers; allowing Paul to walk away for nothing is not an option. And if Paul exerts his leverage, the team has only one other option, and that is to trade him to the Knicks.

Can't the Los Angeles Clippers come into play, since Paul named them as a team he would sign an extension with? This is true, but the Clippers' first priority is Dwight Howard, and you better believe Paul knows that.

Could Paul's willingness to sign with the Clippers be posturing? Absolutely. If Paul has given the Hornets other options, and New Orleans cannot work something out, then that's their problem.

More than ever before, the dream of Paul playing at Madison Square Garden is alive. Anthony like madness will ensue from hereon out, but the Knicks and their fans may be able to take solace in knowing Paul is attempting to get to New York, one way or the other.

If Paul has indeed made his desire to move to New York, gone would be the days the Knicks have to worry about the New Jersey Nets cutting in on their score. Gone would be the days where their assets aren't enough. Gone would be the days of uncertainty.

If this recent turn of events is true, the question no longer is "if" Paul will become a member of the Knicks. Hell, it is no longer even "when" he will head to New York.

Instead, the question would be "how soon" until he gets there.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.