Chris Paul to Knicks: Hornets Star to New York Would Be a Dream Come True

When it was reported that Chris Paul's destination of choice was New York, it confirmed a suspicion many people already had, but at the same time, it instilled a sense of relief in Knicks fans.

All along, Paul was thought to prefer New York, but after last summer, when reports surfaced he would actually prefer the Orlando Magic to the Knicks, the fear of the point guard jolting New York for another team like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers or the Magic themselves was one that lingered.

Until now. 

For those supposed mathematicians who keep pointing to the projected salary cap and the Knicks current payroll as reasons why Paul will never play in New York, you are the ones mistaken.

The Knicks will have the cap room to sign Paul next season, and while that may involve them filling out the roster with add-ons, then that is what they will do. And math may prove not to be as big of an issue here anyway, as Paul's willingness to exert his leverage could lead to the New Orleans Hornets being forced to accept any trade package the Knicks are offering.

Regardless of how the events unfold, the only thing that matters is the end-goal remaining the same. As long as Paul is donning orange and blue, the path taken to get him in those colors would have all been worth it.

Personally, I have never seen the city so emotionally invested in a player that wasn't on their team. Sure, the Garden crowd chanted LeBron James' name, and yes, New York made repeated public cries for Carmelo Anthony, but the Paul situation is different.

Simply put, it means more because there is more at stake.

The Knicks' vision of pairing Paul alongside Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire has cost them multiple arms and legs. Promising youngsters Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Timofey Mozgov were sent packing, and the explosive Raymond Felton was shipped out as well.

We also cannot forget that Donnie Walsh was basically shown the door because of his aversion to the big three blueprint.

Collateral damage has been the prevalent theme throughout New York's pursuit of a big three, and it will continue to be until Paul is safely in a Knicks uniform, at which point the dreams of an entire city will have come true.

After watching the Knicks struggle and remain the punch line of the NBA for nearly a decade, I for one am ecstatic about the opportunity to welcome the star point guard with open arms.

Until the day I die, I will maintain the Knicks relinquished too many assets in the Anthony trade. I was—as many of you already know—and still am a huge Gallinari advocate. That being said, like the rest of New York, I have suffered through the years of darkness and am excited to see finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Knicks have not had the caliber of players they possess now for quite some time. The days of being thankful for the hotheaded Stephon Marbury are over, and the era of championship aspirations is taking over.

Currently, Paul represents everything that this organization has been working toward. He represents the players and personnel who have come and gone, the fans who have remained loyal through everything and the future of this team.

The last time the Knicks had a point guard worth talking about was when Marbury was leading the charge, and that was mainly because he provoked chatter with repeated controversy.

If we are entirely honest, the last time New York had an opportunity to boast a floor general of Paul's caliber was when Walt "Clyde" Frazier was running the show. Oddly enough, the Knicks were championship contenders back then, just as they would be with Paul now.

With Paul comes the luxury of watching the Knicks battle for an NBA title. With Paul, the team is instantly thrust into the same breath as the Heat and Bulls. With Paul, the pain and suffering endured by the organization and its fans all becomes worth it.

The Knicks' road to a big three has not been easy, nor is it over just yet. Unlike the Heat—no negative bias intended—the Knicks were unable to assemble the team of their dreams overnight.

But none of that matters now. All that matters is the Knicks are relevant again and seem a heartbeat away from having assembled a championship squad.

So New York, should Paul wind up darting defenders and tossing up alley-oops to Stoudemire and Anthony at the Garden, remember to take a deep breath as you usher in the new era of Knicks basketball.

Remember to cherish each and every win as Paul and company take one step closer toward attaining an NBA title.

And hey, remember to pat yourself on the back as well, because after all, you've earned this.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.