NBA Trade Speculation: Why NY Knicks Could Become Players for Monta Ellis

Chris Paul and Steve Nash are names that New York Knicks fans have been dropping more than those of players who actually don orange and blue, and Monta Ellis' could be next.

The NBA lockout has almost officially cancelled at least a part of the regular season, and while that may leave basketball fans pining, it won't stop teams and their fans from thinking big, especially in New York.

Next summer's free-agency pool boasts the likes of Nash, Paul and Dwight Howard, athletes that New York is going to be monitoring very closely. However, it is unlikely that all of them actually make it to free agency, and given the Knicks current situation in terms of assets and immediate needs, Ellis' avenue is one the team may become apt to explore.

Here's why.

Obtaining Chris Paul or Dwight Howard May Prove Impossible

The new CBA is bound to create some cap conflicts for the Knicks, which will hinder their pursuit of both Howard and Paul.

It seems that a hard cap can be avoided in the new CBA, but even if New York has the ability to offer a third max-level contract to either player, the Knicks will be left with the daunting task of filling out their roster with little to no money left.

Furthermore, it is also unlikely that either player makes it that far in the free agent process. Both the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets are not about to let themselves become the 2010 Cleveland Cavaliers. At the prospect of losing Howard and Paul for nothing in return, both their respective teams are going to move them to ensure they are not left empty-handed.

If it gets to this juncture, and it probably will, the Knicks just do not have the assets to acquire either player. Sure, Howard or Paul could force their way to New York, but that will cost the organization what little assets they have left. And are they really going to be inclined to decimate their roster once again?

Ellis on the other hand, is a player whose team has shown a willingness to deal him. This means that they will be more open to negotiating as they hold all the leverage instead of the player.

Ellis' situation is simpler, and the Knicks won't have to be strung along along until the Golden State Warriors are ready or forced to make a move because if it wasn't for the lockout they would already be searching for suitors.

Those are much more favorable circumstances than the Knicks would be up against otherwise.

Monta Ellis Will Come Much Cheaper

Not only will the circumstances of negotiations be much less than complex, but obtaining Ellis will come at a much steeper discount than if New York was to trade for Paul or Howard.

The Knicks do not have many assets as it is, and if they do have the opportunity to trade for Paul or Howard, it will involve depleting every last one they do.

Both Howard and Paul are franchise players, but Ellis plays more of a commodity role. His offensive capabilities are held in high regards, but his serial-shooting tendencies are a liability, which lowers his price tag.

What are the Warriors going to be looking for in return? New head coach Mark Jackson values defense above all else, meaning that he would be inclined to embrace the prospect of obtaining any player out of Landry Fields, Iman Shumpert and Toney Douglas.

More likely than not, it would take two out of those three to obtain Ellis, and probably a draft pick, which isn't that big of a deal to New York because they give those out like candy at Halloween anyway.

Fields is the most balanced of the trio, meaning that he is most certainly going to have to be included. Shumpert becomes the other likely candidate because while his style is similar Douglas', he is taller.

Don't think Golden State would be inclined to accept such a package? Think again.

Fields turned head last season. Although he struggled alongside the ball dominating Carmelo Anthony, with the departure of Ellis, there would be no athlete of that caliber on the Warriors. Additionally, Shumpert has already impressed with his play this summer; he is widely considered the steal of the draft.

Both players have a balanced offensive and defensive attack, and have shown an understanding of the game that is light years ahead of their time.

New York would hate to see either player go, but it would be a whole lost easier than watching half their roster walk out the door.

Again.

Steve Nash Is Aging

Even at 37, Nash serves as a formidable "Plan B" if the Paul and Howard pursuits don't pan out.

Nash has defied age up until now,  continuing to turn heads with his impressive passing abilities and overall court awareness, yet he is not going to be able to keep this up much longer.

Nash would certainly help the Knicks become immediate contenders next season, but he does hold the potential to mess with their future plans.

How so? Doesn't his contract expire at the end of next year? Yes, yes it does, but in order to obtain him, they are going to have to give up at least Iman Shumpert in addition to Chauncey Billups.

Given what we have seen from Shumpert this summer, that may prove to just be to high of a price to pay, especially for a player who could melt down at any moment or turn into a rental should he retire or sign elsewhere after next season.

Consequently, the Knicks would get more bang for their buck from Ellis, as he is only 25 and capable of running the point.

Speaking of which…

Monta Ellis Would Thrive as a Point Guard in Mike D'Antoni's System

While Ellis is known to be able to handle the point guard duties, his ball-dominating tendencies prevent him from reaching his full potential in that role. In Mike D'Antoni's seven seconds or less system however, this would not be an issue.

The beauty of New York's system is that it forces players to relinquish or shoot the ball before their rock-handling becomes excessive. This means Ellis' tendency to hold onto the ball would not only be frowned upon, it would be intolerable.

This system provides Ellis the opportunity to put up more points than he would have in Golden State because of the extra possessions the Knicks receive as a result of their high-octane offense. As a result, he would be more amenable to accepting the terms of the team concept.

Additionally, we all saw the criticism Anthony was subjected to when he did not abide by the Knicks' philosophy, and while it could take awhile to get Ellis acclimated to it, he would eventually come around.

After all, if New York's short-lived postseason was any indication,  Anthony did.

Monta Ellis Gives Knicks Stability at Two Positions

The Knicks have a clear need for a point guard, as well as a true center, but there is also evidence that they are unsure about their shooting guard situation.

Landry Fields surprised the basketball world last season, but New York is still uncertain if he is fit to be the everyday starter. He is a solid athlete with a willingness to work on both ends of the floor, but he may lack the necessary offensive aggressiveness to be the 2-guard of the future.

Additionally, while the Knicks are impressed with Iman Shumpert, they have absolutely no idea what to expect from him in terms of effectiveness and production. The same goes for Toney Douglas at the point guard position.

However, Ellis has the ability to provide the Knicks with stability at either position. No, he will not fill their void at center, but at any given time, he can play either the shooting guard or point guard positions.

Ellis already thrives in a shooting guard’s role, and as previously mentioned, Mike D’Antoni’s seven seconds or less system will allow him to do the same running the point.

No, Ellis cannot play two positions at once, but he does take pressure off the Knicks from having to prioritize one position over the other in their trade endeavors.

The Time to Win Is Now, Not Later

Anthony is 27 and coming off two "minor" surgeries and Amar'e Stoudemire is 28 with a history of knee and now back problems, which means the time for the Knicks to win is now, not later.

No, Anthony and Stoudemire are not about to retire, but they aren't 22 anymore either. An attempt to obtain Paul will last until at least mid-season, possibly into the summer, meaning New York won't truly be championship contenders until 2012-2013.

Ellis can be had sooner though, giving the Knicks a "big three" that has more time to develop together as well as compete for championships. After all, isn't this the reason that Anthony and Stoudemire came to New York in the first place?

Paul may be best friends with the Knicks' two superstars, but that doesn't warrant the team wasting time as they continue to prepare for the next stop.

The time for the next step is now, and if Paul cannot be had in a reasonable timeframe, look for Ellis to become an avenue the Knicks explore.

Monta Ellis Is Arguably More Durable

While New York is lusting after both Paul and Howard, Paul has always been viewed as the primary and most attainable target. He certainly gives the Knicks the "big three" they have been envisioning, but so would Ellis, and his addition would form a more durable one at that.

As previously mentioned, Stoudemire and Anthony now both have some health concerns on their track record, and while Paul's talent is undeniable, so are his knee issues. Are the Knicks really willing to invest all this time and collateral damage on a "big three" that is susceptible to a serious injury at any given time?

They might be, or they might opt to complete their superstar trio with a player who isn't as injury-prone.

Enter Ellis.

Sure Ellis zips through the lane with reckless abandon, but no more than Paul does, and his health bill is not as latent with injuries.

Should we expect the Knicks to abandon their current plans and pursue Ellis over Paul solely for this reason? Of course not, but if any hitches come up along the way, New York is going to explore every one of the aspects of all of their options.

And you better believe this is an important one.

Monta Ellis Opens Door for Other Additions

One of the major concerns for the Knicks assembling a “big three” all along has been what they would have to do in turn to fill out the roster.

Anthony and Stoudemire account for nearly $40 million in payroll between the two of them in 2012-2013, and if you add Howard or Paul to the mix, about $55 million in cap will be eaten up.

Certainly such a combination of players may be worth the price tag, but are they worth the lack of depth that comes with it?

If the Knicks obtain Ellis, he is on the books for $11 million the next three seasons, and while some may consider a $4 million extra a trivial amount, this is money that could be put toward building a competent supporting cast or enticing at least one other very talented player to join the party, like Danilo Gallinari or Raymond Felton.

If the Knicks obtain either Howard or Paul, their potential is astounding, yet uncertain as it handicaps their ability to make key future additions. Should they bring in Ellis though, they are able to keep their options open.

And this may motivate them to explore such a scenario.

Knicks Were Rumored to Be Interested in Ellis Last Summer

If for there is one reason to believe that the Knicks could become players for Monta Ellis, it is this one.

Last summer, when the Knicks were exploring their trade options for the expendable David Lee, Ellis was a name they tried to include in all negotiations. Rumors even had him winding up in New York in a three-team deal.

Instead though, the Knicks got Anthony Randolph, and we all know how that played out.

Ellis makes sense in this system. He is a perfect candidate to not only excel at, but run the offense in this team concept. And the Knicks were, and still are aware of this.

Yes, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard take priority over everything else.

For now. But as the days go by and events unfold New York may opt to follow a different path to obtaining a third superstar.

One that they have already explored before.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.