NBA Trade Rumors: 4 Deals That Would Spark New York Knicks

For over a decade, New York basketball was a forgotten wasteland of broken seasons and absent ambition, and Madison Square Garden was practically rotting.

When Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire teamed up with the Knicks, the future of New York basketball began to look a little brighter—the listless city regained its pulse.

But though New York fans awoke, donning jersey and caps and even showing up to MSG, the players could not match that enthusiasm on the court.

The "made-over" Knicks are once again in panic mode after opening their season 7-12.

With New York's style "big three" unable to gel and a team leader who questionably decided to sit last night's game against the Miami Heat, the Knicks need to start thinking about doing some spring cleaning.

Here's a look at four deals that could spark the Knicks.

Dwight Howard

Though chances are slim-to-none that Dwight Howard actually lands himself in New York, it's hard not to get excited about the possibility.

According ESPN New York's Steven A. Smith, the Orlando Magic are exploring the possibility of sending Howard to the Big Apple in exchange for Amare Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler (link).

It's a high price for the Knicks, who just signed Chandler to a maxed out four-year contract, but at this point, the situation in New York is dire. The team has dropped eight of their last nine games.

An impact player like Dwight Howard could provide the spark the Knicks need to save their short season.

However, it's tough to see the Magic would trade with New York when they have more palatable options in Los Angeles.

Still, crazier things have happened.

Steve Nash

A lot of the Knicks' problems are at point guard, but even when Baron Davis returns from his injury, how much life does he have left in him?

If you're not in the "Baron Davis will swoop in to save the season" camp, you should consider summoning Steve Nash to New York.

Dan Bickley, columnist for the Arizona Republic revealed today that the mood in Phoenix is trending toward trade. Trade chatter in New York was reinvigorated after the Suns visited the Garden last week.

Finding a trade that could work right now would be tough, but Nash in New York is a match made in heaven.

The Knicks need someone to direct the offense—a leader to decide who gets the ball—and Nash does that well and effectively.

Not to mention the transition would be smooth. Nash would be reunited with former coach Michael D'Antoni and former teammate Amare Stoudemire.

Oh, and Nash already lives in Manhattan in the offseason.

Though the Knicks may not get Nash imminently through trade, they could use their $5 million mid-level exception to obtain him next year.

Deron Williams

Another point guard the Knicks should be licking their chops over is Deron Williams.

Luckily, New York is on Williams' wish list. And as the Nets' chances of obtaining Dwight Howard decline, Williams looks more and more likely to leave New Jersey.

The best trade option for New York? Carmelo Anthony for Deron Williams straight up.

The Nets gain a four-time NBA All-Star who would play in his native Brooklyn once the Nets move. In addition to winning games, Carmelo could be the Nets' hometown hero and help fill seats.

Pairing Williams and Stoudemire would allow the Knicks' offense to thrive. Williams would move the ball around to create open opportunities for Stoudemire, and Amare would have more shot opportunities.

New York's playoff stock would certainly rise with the addition of Deron Williams.

Kenyon Martin

This morning, SB Nation's Russ Oates reported that the Knicks have their eye on Kenyon Martin, Carmelo Anthony's former Nugget teammate.

New York stands to benefit from this acquisition.

The Knicks have been plagued by an inefficient offense (currently ranked 24th in the NBA) and a porous defense, and K-Mart offers a solution to both.

Martin shot .511 from the field last season and averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 25.7 average minutes per game.

His addition would provide much-needed depth in the Knicks' frontcourt, and he would help carry some of the load on defense.

The only problem is that he cannot sign with the NBA until the Chinese Basketball Association finishes their postseason, which is probably around mid-March.

Kenyon Martin is in no way a long-term solution for the Knicks, but if they can hang in until March, Martin would help them finish the season strong and bolster them through what could be a legitimate playoff run.