NBA

Knicks offered Stoudemire to Hornets for Paul

If you’re Amar’e Stoudemire, it’s great to hear Tyson Chandler is coming to the Knicks to relieve him of the responsibility of guarding centers for much of the time.

The disturbing news is that the team’s once treasured asset was nearly relieved of the New York City limelight he loves basking in. A Hornets’ source disclosed they swiftly rejected a Stoudemire-for-Chris Paul offer.

There was no interest whatsoever, maybe because Stoudemire’s remaining 4-year, $84 million contract is uninsurable.

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Or maybe it’s because New Orleans had better offers, the looming three-way deal with the Lakers and Rockets that commissioner David Stern pre-empted.

The Warriors also were involved in serious negotiations, but were unwilling to give up Stephen Curry without Paul promising to re-sign long term.

Sources say a pledge wouldn’t have been necessary had New Orleans taken Monta Ellis and other goodies.