New York Knicks: Amar'e Stoudemire Offseason Trade Ideas

Let me start by saying that I love Amar'e Stoudemire. He is a devastating player when he is in his element and perhaps one of the best dunkers of his generation.

Unfortunately, the support of New York is a fickle beast and currently he has lost it. His diminished role paired with the untimely death of his brother and the fire extinguisher accident means it might be in best interest of Stoudemire and the Knicks if he had a fresh start elsewhere.

Here are potential trade ideas and the likelihood of the trigger being pulled on each one.

Trade Idea No. 1: Amar'e Stoudemire for Andre Igouadala and Craig Brackins

Why this trade could happen:

Andre Iguodala is a fantastic team player, an elite defender and can be called upon to score when needed. However, the most glaring issue facing the Sixers heading into the offseason is their lack of offense.

Iggy is a great player, but does not make enough of an impact on the offensive end to justify his contract. Also, with the Sixers likely to use the amnesty clause to release Elton Brand, the team would have nearly $11 million in cap space to keep the core of the team together.

Finally, the Sixers have decent draft position, and with this class being as deep as it is, the odds are good that they can find a solid replacement for Brand at strong forward.

Craig Brackins would be essentially a throw-in to make the salaries work. He has no role on this Sixers team. He would likely be cut by the Knicks.

What the Knicks get:

The Knicks would get an elite on-ball defender and a reliable scorer who doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to be effective on the offensive end. With Carmelo Anthony showing that he can dominate at power forward and provide reliable defense, this team will finally have the pieces it needs to make it out of the first round of the playoffs.

What the Sixers get:

A dominant scorer and an improved defender. Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner have grown by leaps and bounds over the past two seasons and developed into a solid players. Both have shown they can handle the ball in the backcourt and can also nail the three-ball. Either player could work the two-man game with Amar'e and give the Sixers the dynamic scoring threat they desperately need.

Odds of this trade happening: 0 to 25 percent

I don't see this trade happening. Though in theory this trade would benefit both parties, Amar'e's injury history and Philly's defensive identity will dissuade both teams from pulling the trigger.

Trade Idea No. 2: Stoudemire and Lin for Calderon and Bargnani

Why this trade could happen:

There is no question that Lin has become a star. However, I no longer see how he can fit with this Knicks team.All four players are comparable defenders and the trade allows both teams to keep their full mid-level exceptions.

What the Knicks get:

An above-average point guard who can get the offense moving and a stretch power forward. What Bargnani and Calderon provide is a solid three-point presence and potential second scoring options on any given night.

It's no secret that when Carmelo Anthony, Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler all occupy the same space, the offense struggles as there is no room for anybody to work. This move should open things up for Melo to work his magic in the post, provide  more reliable options in the starting unit for Melo to dish to when he is doubled, and comparable defense. Also, this move creates a trade exception that would allow the Knicks to retain J.R. Smith.

What the Raptors get:

First, they get the lightning rod otherwise known as Linsanity, and they get a primary scoring option that they can run their offense through. Bargnani is a great shooter, however, his lack of a post game or inside presence leaves him limited in the kinds of shots that he can take.

With both Lin and Stoudemire attacking the basket, it will open up the perimeter game and bring this offense up to speed with its improved defense.

Odds of this trade happening: 50 to 75 percent

The odds of the trigger being pulled on this one are better than you might think. While one might point to Stoudemire's health as being a red flag, Bargnani hasn't had a sterling bill of health either. I believe this trade could truly benefit both teams.

Trade Idea No. 3: Amar'e Stoudemire for Zach Randolph

Why this trade could happen:

This would be a major throwback to the old-school Knicks days. The days when Patrick Ewing hung out on one block and Larry Johnson on the other. But much like the Knicks, the Grizzlies will have cap issues starting next summer and are also in need of a more reliable scoring option.

Scoring by committee is great, but to win it all somebody needs to get near or close to 20 points per game. Also, the Grizzlies could benefit from a more up-tempo attack

What the Knicks get:

Improved interior defense and improved post scoring. Bringing back Randolph could do a lot for this franchise. With Mike Woodson stressing defensive presence, Randolph could help bolster defense at the rim with Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler.

When Chandler decides to run out and contest shots in the mid-range, Randolph will remain home to defend the basket. Also, though Melo and Randolph will occupy the same space in the front end, his style of offense is much more similar to Melo and therefore will more easily co-exist.

What the Grizzlies get:

The primary scoring threat that they need. O.J. Mayo, Tony Allen, Rudy Gay, these are all great players, they are also players whose styles of play will mesh with Amar'e Stoudemire. All thriving in transition, Mike Conley will have career year after career year running the pick and roll with Stoudemire, all while opening up space for Gay to cut to the hoop and Mayo to spot up on the perimeter. This trade should set up the Grizzlies to have a deadly offense.

Odds of this trade happening: 10 to 35 percent

This is another reach trade. While on paper it should work magnificently for the teams involved, Rudy Gay likes isolation too much and the Knicks might be wary of another player competing for Melo's space in the post.

On a second note, the Grizzlies have developed a reputation of being a rugged defensive team. Stoudemire, while being an offensive beast, is questionable on the defensive end and may not factor into Memphis's future plans

Trade Idea No. 4: Amar'e Stoudemire to a Lottery Team

Lottery teams with both cap space and position:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Washington Wizards (via amnesty of Rashard Lewis)

Sacramento Kings (for Chuck Hayes)

Charlotte Bobcats (for Reggie Williams)

Phoenix Suns (may guarantee the return of Steve Nash)

Detroit Pistons (for Ben Gordon)

Why this trade could happen:

This year's draft is shaping up to be one of the best ever, yet nobody wants to waste a top pick on a bust. While there could be as many as 10 all-stars coming out of this draft, any of the players in the lottery have a high probability of being a bust.

Trading for a known quantity might be the best option in many teams' minds. Let a bust happen somewhere else.

All of these teams are set up for success with a player like Amar'e Stoudemire, as they have young, smart, playmaking point guards who need that final piece on offense. Defense is effort, Offense is talent, and Amar'e on any of these teams will boost their franchises immediately.

What the Knicks get:

The Knicks would get a first-round pick in one of the deepest drafts in recent memory. Then they can pick a player who will fit their system.

What the receiving team gets:

A franchise centerpiece. Amar'e can be the guy to convince free agents to come to their team. Amar'e can be their dynamic scoring force. Amar'e can be their veteran leader. Amar'e is still in his prime, a known quantity, and a force to be reckoned with.

Odds of this trade happening:

Cleveland Cavaliers—45 percent

May be scared by injury history, but the two-man game between Amar'e and Kyrie Irving might be too enticing to pass up.

Washington Wizards (via amnesty of Rashard Lewis—50 to 65 percent

Much like the Cavs, the injury history could waive this off. But for the same reason that it would work in Cleveland, it will work in Washington. John Wall will finally have his finisher to project him into the league's elite distributors.

Sacramento Kings (for Chuck Hayes)—5 percent

This team needs a veteran leader and a reliable primary scorer. However, the Kings have too many isolation-type players to really make this trade work

Charlotte Bobcats (for Reggie Williams)—10 percent

The bobcats need someone and nobody will sign with this team in free agency. It is a known fact that Michael Jordan is a terrible evaluator of talent in the draft, so pairing Amar'e with Kemba Walker and D.J. Augustin could be the optimal decision.

Phoenix Suns (may guarantee the return of Steve Nash)—70 percent

Come on, who wouldn't want this to happen. The Suns have the cap space to bring them both back and recreate the greatest team in their history.

Detroit Pistons (for Ben Gordon and amnesty of Charlie Villanueva)—15 percent

While this trade benefits Brandon Knight, I'm not 100-percent sold on how Amar'e fits into what Detroit is trying to build.

Conclusion

Will Amar'e be hard to move? Yes.

Will it be impossible? No.

Amar'e still has so much left in the tank, I do believe that some team will take a chance on him. And  with the recent influx of great young point guards in the league, Amar'e could once again find his game.

What are your thoughts?

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