NBA Trade Rumors: New York Tyson Chandler Signing May Lead to Chris Paul Deal

All signs indicate that the New York Knicks have their desired big man in Tyson Chandler who is expected to agree to a four-year deal worth nearly $60 million.

While that is great for the short-term as the Knicks front-court will be outstanding with Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire, what does it mean for the long-term and the Knicks desire to land point guard Chris Paul?

It looks like the Hornets want to deal Paul sooner rather than later, and for the time being, it looks like the Lakers and Celtics are the top two contenders for him.

Consider the fact though that Paul's main desire has been to play in New York and until he signs an extension with another team, they are still in the mix.

Could they sign Paul as a free agent next year? Sure, but they will have to get creative and the Hornets would likely have to hold onto Paul all season, which seems very unlikely.

Paul has stated in the past that signing Chandler would increase the odds of him signing an extension. Well now that the Knicks have him, he must want to come to New York even more.

There is a way to get into the mix on the trade front though.

While all that is great, the problem with any Paul deal comes simply down to money. The only way to work out a deal for Paul would be to include Stoudemire in the deal. That would outrage many fans considering Stoudemire brought this team back, but it's also an option that ESPN's Marc Stein reports the Knicks are considering.

So it looks like a deal for Paul may not be out of reach for the Knicks, but thanks to the Chandler signing, the thoughts of Anthony, Stoudemire and Paul playing together could soon be just a what once could have been.