Knicks Rumors: Tyson Chandler Makes New York Favorites over Miami Heat

UPDATE: 

Howard Beck of The New York Times is reporting that Chandler will indeed become a New York Knick. 

His sources tell him that, "It will be finished today."

The New York Knicks are heavily pursuing Tyson Chandler, and if and when they land the big man, they'll instantly become the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. 

Marc Stein of ESPN is reporting that his sources are saying that it's "98 percent sure that Tyson is going to wind up with the Knicks."

New York is his first choice, and you can't blame him for that, as his presence makes the Knicks a title contender not just in this shortened season, but also for many years to come.  

The New York Post is reporting that the hold up in the deal is that it's proving to be difficult to trade Ronny Turiaf. The Knicks would also have to cut ties with Chauncey Billups in order to make room financially for Chandler. 

It's a sacrifice they're willing to make to become the best team in the Eastern Conference. If Chandler does indeed sign with the Knicks, he'd be joining up with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire to make perhaps the best frontcourt in the league. 

Adding Chandler easily makes them to the team to beat.

Yes, I'm fully aware the Miami Heat have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but Chandler would make the Knicks so much better than a year ago. 

The 7'1" 235-pound center will take an enormous amount of pressure off of Stoudemire, and his defense will immensely help the Knicks. Everybody knows how much New York has struggled defensively, but the addition of Chandler gives them a big man that can hang with anyone in the league. 

Having a full season with Carmelo will also benefit New York, and with Chandler's big frame down low, the Knicks could be near unstoppable. 

Of course, nothing is set in stone yet, as Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com reports that the Golden State Warriors are throwing a four-year deal for over $60 million at Chandler, which is a few million more than what the Knicks would pay him. 

If the former Dallas Maverick was smart, he'd take less money for a much better chance at winning a championship. Sure, he just won one with Dallas, but he knows how badly the Knicks need his talents, as well as the fact that the Warriors don't have as much strength as New York does. 

The loss of Billups would be a crushing blow, but it's something that has to be done in order to get better overall. Toney Douglas is a bright young star in the making, and he should be able to do enough game management with Chandler, Carmelo and Stoudemire scoring all the points. 

If this deal is ever finalized, then the Miami Heat had better watch out. They will no longer be a top the Eastern Conference, because the Knicks will be too big and too strong to take down.