But for those thinking out of the box, the Knicks did come out of last season with significant trade assets, at least one of which should be especially attractive in a league increasingly held hostage by blue-chip players nearing the end of their contracts. They have a certified shoe-company icon at the beginning of his contract, without no-trade protection.

They have Anthony, who made a smart business move by forcing his way out of Denver last February and signing a three-year, $65 million extension with a player option for a fourth. Now the Knicks should do what it is in their best interests by putting Anthony on the table and at least finding out what that leverage might reap.

Leaving Paul aside for the moment, Deron Williams from New Jersey is the name that comes to mind.

Yes, Stoudemire could be dangled in a deal to fill the point guard position that will be apparently vacated by Chauncey Billups. But in addition to the possibility of forming an imposing power tandem with Chandler, Stoudemire has four years remaining on a contract that is uninsurable due to past injuries. That alone would appear to make Anthony the more tradable asset if the Knicks are determined to better balance their team, which they should do if they can.

“See, that’s why when people said the Knicks gave up too much for Anthony, I totally disagreed,” Jeff Van Gundy said when we discussed this possibility last spring. “They had a chance to get a player of that magnitude, but if they decide it’s not working, they will still have flexibility because players like that are always in demand.”

Who knows what Paul’s fate will be? But would the Nets swap the uncertainty of the free-agent-to-be Williams for the certainty of bringing Anthony, whom they pursued doggedly last winter, with them to Brooklyn next season?