Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Why the New York Knicks Need Howard

According to Stephen A. Smith via ESPN 1050 Radio on January 22, the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic have discussed a possible trade scenario that would bring Dwight Howard to the Big Apple. Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire would head to Orlando, so presumably, other pieces would also head to New York with Howard for financial reasons.

The Knicks, who have lost nine of their last 10 games, seem to be nearing desperation this season—and a deal for Howard could be the antidote to send this team to the promised land in the near future.

The Magic need to make a quick decision on Howard. He will likely hit the free-agent market in the offseason and the Orlando organization does not want to lose him in a similar matter to how they lost Shaquille O'Neal.

Meanwhile, the Knicks organization went through a long and difficult process in order to acquire a "Big Three." Now that the Knicks have two superstars on the roster a big-time move is not what some fans may want—but it is the right move if they want to win a championship.

New York would likely have to part ways with Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire in order to court Howard.

However, if the Knicks did pull the trigger and trade for Howard, it would give the team the most notable big man since Patrick Ewing and would give them the best defensive stopper in the NBA.

On the flip side, the Knicks would have a glaring weakness at the power forward position with the likes of Josh Harrellson, Jared Jeffries, Jerome Jordan and Steve Novak to man the position.

Realistically, even if the Knicks do get Howard I can't see them winning a NBA title this season. During this offseason, it would be the Knicks' No. 1 priority to lure a proven point guard to play alongside Howard and Carmelo Anthony.

Raymond Felton, Ramon Sessions, Deron Williams or Monta Ellis could fit the role nicely if any of these players became available.

New York would be best served by getting Howard and giving fans a reason to think its the 1990s all over again.