Report: Chris Paul wants trade, Knicks top list

Star point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets is asking the team to trade him prior to the start of the season. The Hornets, who finished 37-45 this season, have only finished above .500 twice and made the playoffs twice with Paul. Paul, 25, is ready to end the losing and has demanded to be traded by giving the Hornets a list of teams he would like to be traded to.

The 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by New Orleans, Paul has been one of the premier players in the NBA. A three-time All-Star, Paul scores an average of 19.3 points per game, including an 18.7 PPG average this season. During the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, Paul scored an average of 21.1 and 22.8 PPG, respectively, before the drawback this season.

Among Paul's trade list are the New York Knicks, who rank first on his list, followed by the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trailblazers in the top four. Paul, who has made it no secret that he wants to play with Amare Stoudemire in New York, is ready for a chance to win. The plan is that the Denver Nuggets' SF Carmelo Anthony will reject a contract to return to Denver next free agency period and join Stoudemire and Paul in New York to form the next "Big Three" that would challenge the Big Three of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

ESPN reports that, "Those guys want to beat the three guys in Miami," a source close to the situation said. A report Wednesday on CBSSports.com said Paul saw what James did in signing to play alongside Wade and Bosh and has designs on doing something similar."

Also, they report that, "the Hornets have scheduled a face-to-face sitdown with Paul for Monday in New Orleans, sources with knowledge of the meeting told ESPN.com's Marc Stein" and that "Paul's demands come in the immediate aftermath of a Hornets overhaul within the coaching staff and front office."

This is going to be a very interesting week and will make for the one of the greatest off-seasons ever if "CP3," as his Twitter name suggests, is traded to the Knicks. New York sports radio has been talking about the subject all day and many Knick fans are excited at the possibility of having their own Big Three.

Amare Stoudemire: Recruiting Officer

Amare Stoudemire is making himself accustomed to New York City.

The future Knicks' center's tour was underway last night at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in Manhattan, where Stoudemire saw the Broadway hit "Rock of Ages." However, according to ESPN, "Stoudemire hinted that he'd be putting together a show of his own on Broadway next season."

Coming to a basketball court near you, soon to be playing at Madison Square Garden in New York City: The 2011-12 New York Knicks, starring Amare Stoudemire and featuring Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker.

Wait, "Melo" and Parker?

ESPN:
"I've talked to Carmelo Anthony and [told him] that he needs to come here," Stoudemire said while standing on the corner of 47th St. and 8th Ave. after the show. "I've talked to Tony Parker. Both guys are ready to join me if I decide to come here. So we'll see if we can work it out."

What about LeBron James?

"That would be great," said Stoudemire, who wore a navy blue Yankees hat to the play.

The Knicks, of course, would have to swing a trade for either Anthony or Parker, both of whom are under contract next season."

So, looks likes Amare is going to start working as the Recruiting Officer of the New York Knicks. If the Knicks were to get "Melo" from the Denver Nuggets and Parker from the San Antonio Spurs, they'd be legitimate contenders for the NBA Finals. A complete haul of the roster would be a fresh start for the Knicks, and trading for Parker and Melo would do just that. Hopefully, for Knicks fans, Amare can reel in the big fish in James, but if not, Melo and Parker are good back-up options for next season.

More from ESPN: "Stoudemire confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com that he would be meeting with Knicks brass on Monday.

Saturday night, Stoudemire called the Knicks "one of the most historic franchises in NBA history. [New York] is a beautiful city. Madison Square Garden is definitely one of the most intriguing places to play. So they definitely have a few great points on their side."

When asked what he'd add to the Knicks roster, Stoudemire smiled and said, "We'll have to wait and see."

"I love New York, it's a great city," said Stoudemire, who left in a white limo shortly after being questioned by reporters."

Hopefully Amare can bring in the big guys in order to make the Knicks a contender again. It'd be great for the Knicks and for New York City to experience Championship Basketball again.

On a side note: Amare Stoudemire = one of my favorite players now. Why? He's a Yankees fan.

In other basketball news:
- The Atlanta Hawks re-signed Joe Johnson and agreed on a new six-year deal worth approximately $119 million. Johnson, considered a Knicks target, will now spend his days in Atlanta.
- Dirk Nowitzki re-signed with the Dallas Mavericks for a four-year deal worth $80 million.
- The Boston Celtics re-signed Paul Pierce to a four-year deal worth $61 million.