Dwight Howard to NY Knicks: Why Amar'e Stoudemire Isn't Going to Orlando Magic

The NBA playoffs have not yet concluded and already there is speculation about who is going where via trade or free agency next season.

Everyone is talking about the possible destination in regards to 2012 free agents to be Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Deron Williams.

And can you really blame them?

The Summer of 2012 has the potential to be considered second wave of the Summer of 2010, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Amar'e Stoudemire headlined a class of elite free agents.

However, it also has the potential to be quite dull should the top free agent prospects get dealt and sign extensions before next Summer.

Amidst all this speculation, somehow a scenario has developed that would land the Magic's Dwight Howard in New York, with the Knicks Stoudemire heading to Orlando.

Really?

Now, I'm not belittling the prospect of Howard coming to the Knicks.  He would bring a defensive state of mind to an offensive oriented team.  Simply put, he would be a great addition.

But not at the expense of Stoudemire.

Stoudemire had a career year for New York.  He averaged 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and nearly two blocks a game this season.  

To be fair though, Howard had a career year as well.  He averaged 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and over one steal per game.

Clearly there is not much of a statistical difference.  The numbers show that Stoudemire is better on the offensive end, while Howard is more skilled on the defensive.

Cue the critics.

Many will say that the only statistical category Stoudemire led in was points scored, with only a 2.4 points per game difference anyway.  Many will also say that Howard's rebounding makes up for the point differential, and it certainly does, but stats do not tell the whole story.

Let's put aside the fact that if Orlando puts Howard on the trading block, they will be looking to rebuild, and taking on Stoudemire's bloated contract would be a step in the opposite direction.

Let's put aside the reality that with Mike D'Antoni as the head coach, Stoudemire is a better fit in New York.

And let's put aside that Howard withstood the rigors of the regular season with ease while Stoudemire's bill of health is questionable at best.