NBA Rumors: Interest in Knicks Means Hornets Must Deal Superstar PG Chris Paul

Even though it finally seems as though we will have a 2011-12 NBA season, the focus of many is on the summer of 2012. The reasoning for that is a number of high-profile free agents including the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, the New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams and the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul.

None of the aforementioned players were reportedly close to reaching a new contract with their respective teams prior to the lockout, and it doesn't seem as though that will change anytime soon. Paul especially may be willing to move on as ESPN's Chris Broussard says sources indicate that Paul would be interested in joining the New York Knicks.

The rumor certainly seems feasible due to a number of factors. For one, the Hornets are in a very tough salary cap situation that essentially inhibits them from getting any help for Paul. With the Hornets unable to show Paul a commitment to winning, it stands to reason that he'll want to go to a team that can surround him with other stars.

Also, Paul seems to be pretty tight with Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks due to their time together on the 2008 Olympic team. Add power forward Amare Stoudemire into the mix and you get a dynamic trio that may be able to match the Miami Heat's triumvirate of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The Knicks have fat contracts like those of Chauncey Billups and Ronny Turiaf coming off the books following this season, so all the logistics are in place for the Knicks to land Paul provided his interest in the team is genuine.

With all of that being quite apparent, the only logical move for the Hornets at this point is to trade Paul either prior to or during the season. The Hornets'' franchise is already fragile to begin with as evidenced by its' league ownership, so losing a superstar like Paul for nothing could be catastrophic.

The Hornets can either opt to trade Paul to the Knicks in order to cut out the middle man, or they can identify another team that might believe they can sign Paul. The Knicks might be compelled to strike while the iron is hot in order to ensure that they land Paul over the long term.

In this case New Orleans would probably get back Billups who will make for an attractive expiring contract, second-year man Landry Fields and some draft picks. It may not be a package fit for a star point guard like Paul, but it's better to get even a little compensation than none at all.

Whether it is the Knicks or not, there will surely be some team that is willing to put a package together for Paul. If Paul's interest in playing for New York is substantial, then it could ultimately hurt his trade value, but the Hornets can't simply rest on their laurels.

New Orleans has until the trade deadline to work out a deal with Paul, and if nothing comes to fruition by that point, the only logical step is to part ways with a player who is already one of the franchise's all-time greats.