NBA Rumors: Chandler and Stoudemire for Dwight Howard Is Move of NY Desperation

Any time a team is looking to move their two most recent high-profile free-agent signings to attain one player, that is not a good look. It shows that Plan A or B did not work, and now, hopefully Plan C gets us where we want to be.

IamaGM.com reported this statement from ESPN's Stephen A Smith from his radio program:

"

As I told you a little bit earlier in the hour, I have some news to report about your New York Knicks. The Orlando Magic, I will preface my statement by telling you that they have categorically denied this, but my sources tell me that they have inquired about Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire going to Orlando for Dwight Howard.

Let me confess to you that I'm torn. From a basketball standpoint, it would seem you do that trade in a heartbeat. You don't teach seven-feet and you don't teach the dominate [sic] and the skills that Dwight Howard has. But I like Tyson Chandler. I like the fact that he rebounds and defends.

"

Now, let me first say this: Smith can be hit or miss with his "sources." He was right on the money predicting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would end up in Miami before anyone else.

In contrast, he practically guaranteed Tracy McGrady would sign with the Chicago Bulls this year, which we know didn't happen. McGrady is with the Atlanta Hawks.

Through over 10 years of high-profile reporting, Smith has to have acquired some decent sources. If this rumor is true, the Knicks are who we thought they were: a team in shambles.

Looking to blow up their master plan in less than a full year since Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony had been joined together as Super Friends is pathetic.

The Knicks are a subpar 6-10 despite a roster of talent that would suggest title contention.

It's possible the inability to acquire Chris Paul is what precipitated the collapse. Coach Mike D'Antoni never got the point guard he needed to run his system because the Knicks had pillaged their own system of tradeable assets to attain Anthony.

Wouldn't it have made more sense to chase the star point guard first, seeing as though that position is so vital to the D'Antoni system? 

Now the Knicks are forced to wait on 32-year-old Baron Davis to be that guy at the point. Davis is coming off a serious back injury that had him considering retirement. A success story seems unlikely to grow from that situation.

The Knicks could fire Mike D'Antoni, but that will signal a retooling as well.

Whatever the Knicks do, which I agree has to be something drastic, will show the shear desperation the franchise is in.

Would the rumored and denied deal work? Possibly, but haven't Knicks fans been sold the big trade dream before?

Why would this be any different?

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