Knicks Rumors: Using Amnesty Clause on Chauncey Billups Not Worth Tyson Chandler

Judging by what NBA Insider Ken Berger from CBSSports.com tweeted, multiple league executives put the Knicks as the new favorite to land Tyson Chandler.

Yet, while his presence in the middle of a Knicks lineup seems like a perfect fit, it depends what the cost is. If the rumored four-year, $60 million contract is in fact true, well, then, that's not so perfect after all. If signing Chandler comes at the cost of using the amnesty-clause on Chauncey Billups, as Berger also reports, well, then, that really makes no sense whatsoever.

There is also the chance that Billups and Ronny Turiaf could be dealt, possibly in a sign-and-trade deal with Dallas.

Either way, I'm not totally understanding the reasoning here.

If Billups is amnestied, that makes this deal even worse. Why in the world would you amnesty a guy in the final deal of a contract? This can't possibly be the case, and if it is, I will be stunned. His expiring contract has value and losing that isn't worth Chandler.

Billups gives this team a veteran point guard for a season. It would almost be more beneficial to have him and a less expensive big man.

Are the Knicks buying into the rumors that Chris Paul will sign an extension with a team that signs Chandler? That's taking one big risk, since Paul has indicated all along that New York was his desired destination. Yet, if that's their thinking, where's the rest of the money going to come from for Paul now?

On the court, Chandler could help this team in big ways if he's healthy. But if he's a bust, they could be wishing that they still had their amnesty if they choose to use it on Billups.

There's a chance they may need it.