New York Sent Paul Noel to Rochester
On August 10, 1950, the New York Knicks traded Paul Noel to the Rochester Royals for Ray Ellefson. New York's transaction page, Rochester's transaction page and the 1950-51 league transaction log all agree on the August 10 date, correcting the legacy August 15 intake record. This was a direct player-for-player exchange with no draft picks or cash documented. Noel entered the deal after three seasons with New York, including 65 games at 3.8 points per game in 1949-50.
Noel Gave the Royals Two Seasons
Noel supplied the larger body of service. He appeared in 52 games for Rochester in 1950-51, averaging 2.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists. He was a reserve rather than a central scorer, but he stayed available across a season in which the Royals went 41-27 and won the NBA championship by defeating New York in seven games. Noel returned for eight more games in 1951-52, bringing his Rochester total to 60 regular-season appearances.
Ellefson Lasted Three Knicks Games
Ellefson's Knicks tenure was extremely short. He appeared in three games during the 1950-51 season, averaged 1.3 points and 2.7 rebounds, and scored four total points. Those three games were the final NBA appearances of his career. New York still reached the 1951 NBA Finals, so the failed acquisition did not prevent a successful season, but the trade itself produced almost no realized player value for the Knicks.
Sixty Games Beat Three
Neither side acquired a star, but the gap in usable service is clear. Noel played 60 games for Rochester across two seasons and was part of the franchise's 1951 championship roster. Ellefson played three games for New York and then left the NBA. Noel's low scoring average keeps this from becoming a major historical win, and the Royals' championship should not be credited to one reserve transaction.
Final Verdict
Royals Win — New York D, Rochester C+. New York traded Paul Noel to the Rochester Royals for Ray Ellefson on August 10, 1950, correcting the legacy August 15 intake date. Noel became the more durable piece, appearing in 52 games for Rochester during its 1950-51 championship season and eight more the next year. Ellefson played only three games for the Knicks, scoring four total points, and never appeared in another NBA season. Neither player became a major contributor, but Rochester received 60 games from Noel while New York received three from Ellefson.