Get it Done Donnie

So far I’d have to give the Knicks a solid B for this off season. They signed Amare, Felton, traded for three young assets in Randolph, Turiaf, and Azubuike and stock piled three future second round picks. Couple that with the young nucleus of Toney Douglas, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler the makings of a competitive lower seeded playoff team are definitely a possibility. Yet Donnie Walsh’s job isn’t complete for the off season. Last night the leagues best point guard Chris Paul came out and requested a trade to New York, Los Angeles, or Orlando. I’m sure teams like Portland and Dallas will also be in play but the near fact Paul mentioned New York on his wish list means we’re heading in the right direction.

The 26 year old Paul is definitely in the conversation as the leagues best point guard along with Derron Williams and Rajon Rondo. In four professional seasons Paul has averaged 19.3 ppg and 10 apg. Injuries limited Paul to only 45 games last season but he still averaged 18.7 ppg and 10.7 apg. When last healthy in 2009 Paul averaged a staggering 22.8 and 11.

Paul is a game changer folks. Amare Stoudamire is a very good player and every public comment he’s made in the last 4 weeks have only made me like him more as a player and leader but if you add Chris Paul to this roster we’re talking about a team that not only should make the playoffs but could legitimately win a few rounds in the playoffs and give teams like Boston, and Miami fits.

Knick Trade Assets

Eddy Curry – Let’s face it Eddy Curry is nothing more then a waste of god given talent but the fact remains that Curry has a massive 11.4 million dollar expiring contract. New Orleans is in financial shambles (hence Paul wanting to leave) and would love to be able to clear 11.4 million off there books.

Toney Douglas – If the Hornets were to trade Paul they would immediately need a point guard to backup Darren Collison. Toney Douglas would be an ideal fit. He’s 24 years old and averaged 13 points per game over the last two months of last season. Along with his upside Douglas is under team control for the next 3 seasons at a reasonable salary.

Danilo Gallinari – I’d love to keep Gallo but if it meant acquiring Chris Paul then so be it. The 22 year old Gallinari is under team control for the next two seasons and would make a max of 5 million dollars. Gallo averaged nearly 16 points per game last season and could easily make the jump to 20 this coming season.

Wilson Chandler – Much like Gallo, Chandler is under team control for the next two seasons. Will averaged 15 ppg last season and would be a nice cheap building block for a team rebuilding.

Anthony Randolph – Anthony Randolph might very well be the definition of upside. Randolph has the skill set and athletic ability to be a super star in this league. On the flip side he has the mental toughness to be the nice Isiah Rider. All that said a 21 year old kid who played has college ball at nearby LSU would have to be appealing to the Hornets.

Ronny Turiaf & Kelenna Azubiake – I lump them together because they both are young players who have expiring contracts and would be nice side pieces to make a trade.


I would trade every single one of the players above. The only real problem I would have is if we had to trade both Gallo and Randolph. To sweeten the pot I would also consider taking on one of New Orleans awful contracts. From looking at New Orleans Roster I would bet they would love to trade Emeka Okafur, Peja Stojakovic, or James Posey.

My proposed trades

Eddy Curry, Anthony Randolph, Toney Douglas and Picks for Chris Paul

Eddy Curry, Gallo, Toney Douglas and picks for Chris Paul

Or become more creative and do something like this

Curry, Turiaf, Azubiake, Chandler, and Douglas for Paul and Okafor


There are a lot of options but for once I actually do think the potential packages the Knicks could offer the Hornets are far superior then any of the teams that could make a move for Paul. Anthony Randolph or Gallinari are fair superior and much more cost effective then any player on the Magic, and Lakers roster.

A possible lineup of Paul, Azubiake, Gallo, Stoudamire and Turiaf is a pretty dangerous team. Not to mention the fact that there’s a certain free agent to be in Denver that will be keeping close watch on NY this season.