Knicks Rumors: Dealing Amar'e Stoudemire for Dwight Howard Would Be Awful Move

For the past several weeks, there have been many trade rumors surrounding Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. While Howard would be helpful to any team, the most recent rumor regarding Howard going to the New York Knicks simply doesn't make sense.

According to Donny Marshall of CSNNE, the Knicks are exploring the possibility of trading star forward Amar'e Stoudemire to the Magic for Howard. There are a lot of moving parts in this situation, but the major one is the uncertainty regarding whether the Knicks could re-sign Howard.

Howard has presented a list of teams that he would consider re-signing with, including the Magic, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Seeing as the Knicks aren't on his list, there is a distinct possibility the Knicks could give up Stoudemire for Howard, only to have Howard for a partial season.

I have to believe the Knicks think they can re-sign Howard if they are considering making this type of deal, but it's far from a guarantee. If the Knicks are successful and he enjoys playing with Carmelo Anthony, maybe I could say it, but Howard has been pretty firm in his convictions to this point.

Also, the Knicks already signed Tyson Chandler during the offseason. Even though both Howard and Chandler are true centers, New York would have to play them both at the same time considering how much they cost.

It isn't inconceivable that it would work, but neither Howard nor Chandler are comfortable guarding away from the basket and that is something that one of them would have to do against power forwards that can spread the floor. It would also be an issue offensively as neither player possesses a mid-range jump shot.

Unless there are plans to fire head coach Mike D'Antoni, I can't see the Knicks having two big men who are limited to patrolling the paint. Stoudemire is D'Antoni's quintessential power forward as he can do the dirty work inside, but he also has range out to the three-point arc that really comes in handy when New York is pushing the pace.

Above all else, trading Stoudemire would almost be like a slap in the face. He could have chosen a lot of places to sign as a free agent last season, but he went with the downtrodden Knicks and was probably the biggest reason for their revitalization. Trading him for somebody who may not even re-sign as repayment is in very poor taste.

All told, I understand why the Knicks have interest in Howard. He is the preeminent center in the NBA, and nobody else even comes close. The Knicks just invested heavily in a center, though, plus Howard's looming free agency is far too risky.

While you have to respect the Knicks' front office for exploring moves that could make the team better, I think the status quo is the better option right now. New York hasn't exactly got off to a hot start, but with the likes of Anthony, Stoudemire and Chandler, it is only a matter of time before it turns things around.