Knicks Rumors: Tyson Chandler Is Best Move New York Can Make

The New York Knicks are starting to get it right...if the rumors are true, of course.

A year after landing Amar'e Stoudemire in free agency and then trading away nearly every asset humanely possible for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, the Knicks are finally addressing their biggest need since Patrick Ewing left.

According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the Knicks are the current leaders for center Tyson Chandler:

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Berger reports that the New York Knicks have emerged as the leader for Tyson Chandler, ahead of the Warriors, who reportedly offered Chandler a four-year, $60 million deal Thursday. Berger reports that the Golden State offer isn't as "robust" as the report from California indicated.

In order to make room for Chandler, Berger says the Knicks would use the amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups, or trade him, then move Ronnie Turiaf. 

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Chandler, a 29-year-old center who has started for four different teams so far in his career, was a key cog in the Dallas Mavericks' NBA championship run last year. He brought a different intensity and toughness to Dallas that they had been missing for some time. The Knicks have been missing this same toughness, defensive prowess and rebounding ability as well.

As much as people want to root for Ronnie Turiaf, he isn't a starting center in this league.

As Berger said, the Warriors had initially put up a big offer, but now, in a shocking turn of events, it appears the Knicks are the leaders.

Everything the Knicks had been doing this offseason was supposed to be for propositioning Chris Paul in the trade market or free agency this summer. But that race hasn't favored the Knicks at all, and they never really had the pieces to make a trade for Paul in the first place.

Too many teams have shown an interest in parting with young, dynamic players in return for Paul even if he won't sign a contract extension.

The Hornets are likely to deal him sooner than later to the highest bidder.

Giving up on Paul via trade and making a move for Chandler is a very wise move by New York. From day one of the new regime, they have needed a center more than anything.

The downside is letting Billups go. The Knicks picked up his option after last season, but with the new CBA can waive him under the amnesty rule. That would leave the Knicks with a hole at starting point guard that will likely be filled by a combination of Toney Douglas and rookie first-round pick Iman Shumpert.

There is probably more to this than meets the eye as well. New York knows that even if Paul is dealt, it is highly unlikely he will sign a contract extension before next summer's free agency hits.

If the Knicks can land a center like Chandler now, they will certainly do everything possible to make a run at Paul in free agency come the summer time. It is well documented that CP3 wants to play in New York.

This is the best, smartest and only move the Knicks could and should make with the way the CP3 sweepstakes are shaping up. Their potentially dominant front court will have to overcompensate for inexperienced guard play, but that will only be a short-term problem as far the Knicks are concerned.

If New York can pull this surprise swoop off, it will be one of the biggest moves of the offseason.