12:37 pm Jan. 25, 20122
When the Knicks signed Tyson Chandler to a long-term contract this summer, it was generally assumed that the core of the New York Knicks—Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony—would be set in stone.
After all, if the three stars excelled together, the Knicks would have no reason to want to break them up. And if any of them faltered, well, with long-term contracts for each at nearly maximum money, it isn't like they'd be easy to trade.
So far, the Knicks certainly haven't excelled with the new roster—though it is awfully early still, and there are clear, correctable reasons for the struggles. But the rumor reported by ESPN earlier this week—that the Orlando Magic called the Knicks to discuss a trade of Chandler and Stoudemire for free agent-to-be center Dwight Howard, who has asked to be traded—is one that makes a lot of sense for both teams.
From Orlando's point of view, adding Chandler and Stoudemire to the front line would give them both a great deal of the interior defense Howard currently provides (Chandler), and an interior scoring threat (Stoudemire). With Ryan Anderson and J.J. Redick providing the kind of perimeter shooting to allow Stoudemire space to work and Jameer Nelson at the point feeding Stoudemire the ball, the Magic would be an Eastern Conference title contender.
As for the Knicks, they'd be acquiring the consensus best center in the N.B.A. It isn't particularly close. Howard is averaging better than 20 points and 16 rebounds this season, blocking 2.3 shots per game, and at age 26 isn't likely to be declining from this absurdly high standard anytime soon.
In essence, what the Knicks would be getting from Howard is what they can expect to get from Chandler and Stoudemire. The difference? Howard is earning one max salary, while Stoudemire and Chandler earn one apiece. Chandler is below max, but close enough to have the same effect on their ability to squeeze another max player under the salary cap.
But with Anthony and Howard on the front line, New York would have the opportunity to offer nearly max money to the current New Jersey Nets point guard, and soon-to-be free agent Deron Williams. With little to separate Williams from Chris Paul, New York would suddenly find Carmelo Anthony teamed with two star players with complementary skills.
Even if Williams, Anthony and Howard couldn't find a way to manage with slightly less than the absolute most money they each could make separately—something that LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh did do with Miami during the summer of 2010—just Anthony and Howard alone would give the Knicks cap space to add a point guard next summer, along with a couple of shooters and some depth. They wouldn't be reduced to begging players to come play for the league minimum, as they did this year. And with Williams, Anthony and Howard, they wouldn't be begging—players would be begging them.
The major complication to this deal isn't with New York, but with Orlando. The Magic don't have the cap space to add both Stoudemire and Chandler this year, subtracting just Howard. Some team will need to give small forward Hedo Turkoglu a good home, since he is owed $11.4 million this season, and likely $12.2 million next season.
The Knicks could take him, assuming they can find some way to convince Turkoglu to decline his option next year. Ideally, of course, the teams find a third team to accept Turkoglu along with some sweetener involving other players or picks. He's far from worthless; he'd just get in the way for New York, who wouldn't have much room for Turkoglu's skills on a team with Carmelo Anthony.
But none of these obstacles are insurmountable. The deal would require Orlando to choose reloading over rebuilding. But for that much current talent, they very well might.
And as strange as it sounds, a New York team that seems to need stability right now would almost have to make a deal like this. Dwight Howard is just that good.
magic don't want those bums or their horrible contracts
GREAT, THOUGHTFUL, OBJECTIVE! And If only we could fire D,AnPHONi just before the trade and hire Hakeem Olajuwan to develop Jerome Jordan, it will be great. Hakeem is on record as the one who taught Kobe post moves, then Howard himself, and now Lebron James. How this wonderful mentor who can develop guards, forwards and centers stay unemployed is beyond me.Knicks better make the move fast before he too is snatched up. Then we can bring in Phil Jackson for next year. No way he's gonna turn it down with Melo, Howard and the likes of Deron Williams!!!