NBA Trade Speculation: 5 Players Who Make New York Knicks Legit Contenders

With the NBA lockout threatening this season's livelihood more than ever, it will become increasingly difficult to focus on potential roster moves. That being said, these are the times we need to power through and keep basketball alive.

The lockout could not have come at a worse time for the New York Knicks, as their return to relevance last season marked what many hoped was the beginning of great things.

For the first time in nearly a decade, players—star players—wanted to play in New York.

Despite the Knicks' optimistic outlook, they are not a lock to contend for a title next season. They have two stars in Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, but lack the proven depth of a championship team.

While depth is not exactly something that can be achieved overnight, it can be somewhat feigned by acquiring a substantial third piece to their powerhouse puzzle.

There are an array of star-caliber players who could find their way onto the trade block next season, some of whom could push the Knicks to become legitimate contenders sooner than later.

Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns

At 37, Steve Nash would not prove to be a long-term solution to the Knicks' point guard needs, but he would easily make them title contenders for the immediate future.

Nash is incredibly elusive and possesses one of the keenest sets of court-vision the NBA has ever seen. He can make quick, efficient decisions with the ball and is a threat to score from anywhere on the court.

What makes Nash truly valuable is his familiarity within Mike D'Antoni's offensive system. He knows how to be an effective facilitator under the seven-seconds-or-less principle, and his understanding of the team concept may help Carmelo Anthony become better acclimated.

Nash has been tasked with balancing an offense that contains more than one star player before, once again while under D'Antoni. He understands what it takes to keep each player happy, and also knows how to capitalize off the attention given to such players.

Furthermore, Nash does not have the murky bill of health that Chauncey Billups does. In each of the last 11 seasons, Nash has appeared in 70 or more games. That is an astounding number considering his age.

Prior to the lockout, Nash was proving that age was but a number, not a reflection of his production potential. Should the Phoenix Suns put him on the block, the Knicks would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to acquire a point guard who is defying the limits of age. 

Marc Gasol of Memphis Grizzlies

While re-signing Marc Gasol should be the Memphis Grizzlies' top priority heading into next season, they may be open to a sign-and-trade—should the new CBA allow such a thing—if he desires to chase a title elsewhere.

Gasol would be a great fit for the Knicks' high-octane offensive system. He navigates the floor extremely well and is incredibly athletic for someone his size.  He also has a great touch around the basket.

The 26-year-old center also brings a strong defensive presence in the low post. His rebounding could use a little work, but he is adept at blocking shots and keeping the opposition away from the basket.

This would be a refreshing mindset on a defensively handicapped squad like New York.

In pursuing Gasol though, the prospect of obtaining Dwight Howard becomes virtually impossible. That being said, Howard is unlikely to force his way to New York and the Knicks cannot pass up the opportunity to acquire a young and prolific big man.

With Gasol as an anchor at center, Amar'e Stoudemire can play his natural power forward position, and thus form one of the best low-post tandems in the league. Add Carmelo Anthony to the mix and the Knicks have a front-court to be feared and contend for titles for years to come. 

If anything, Gasol could serve as enticing trade bait in Howard negotiations later on, but not even New York could go into this marriage with that mindset.

Gasol is continuing to develop his basketball skills and knowledge; it is only going to get better from here.

And the Knicks would love to bear witness. 

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul is the name this list that has been most closely linked to the Knicks. He is also the name that could prove to be most unattainable in terms of assets.

That being said, acquiring him is not out of the question as he is the player most likely to force his way into orange and blue.

When it comes to floor generals, Paul is one of the best. He is incredibly agile and has a great court-vision. He is a threat to score on every possession and has some of the best ball-handling skills in NBA history.

Defense is also a specialty of Paul's. His quick feet allow him to keep pace with the most elusive of guards and his hands are even quicker, making him liable to poke the ball away multiple times over the course of a game.

When it comes to durability, Paul is a bit of a risk, but he more than makes up for it in effectiveness. For a star-caliber player, he isn't at all egotistical, and it is this very unselfish nature that will be needed to balance an offense consisting of Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

Just last postseason, Paul proved that he is capable of carrying a team on his own; he is the reason the New Orleans Hornets stood any kind of fighting chance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

To say the Knicks would be title contenders with Paul is an understatement. The team would still lack depth, but having perhaps the most complete point guard in the game on their roster would make that burden much easier to carry.

Nene Hilario of Denver Nuggets

Nene Hilario doesn't get nearly as much credit as he deserves, but as one of the league's more athletic big men, he would fit in New York quite nicely.

Nene is immensely athletic and can run the floor with ease. He has a nice touch around the basket and is not afraid to put the ball on the floor.

While his rebounding totals are nothing to write home about, he is aggressive on the boards and can box out opponents much larger than himself, creating opportunities for his teammates. He may not exactly look it, but Nene is strong and explosive.

Nene may be a free agent, but the Knicks' best hope of acquiring him is via sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets desperately want Nene to stay, but they must understand that after nearly a decade in the league, their center may be more apt to chasing titles than rebuilding.

Does Nene make the Knicks legitimate contenders? Definitely, as not only does he allow Amar'e Stoudemire to play his natural position, but he also anchors in the low-post as a guy who is mobile on both ends of the ball.

New York traded Nene to Denver nearly 10 years ago, and while his stint with the team was less than brief, the Knicks would almost certainly welcome a reunion.

D.J. Augustin of Charlotte Bobcats

D.J. Augustin's name is one that doesn't get thrown around a lot in regard to potential Knicks targets. However, with restricted free-agency headed his way, and the possibility that potential amnesty casualty Baron Davis is interested in playing for the Charlotte Bobcats, this could all change.

Augustin is a great floor general. He distributes the ball well and knows when to look for his shot. While he is on the shorter side, even for his position, he makes up for it in strength.

With the Bobcats, Augustin has never had to balance an offensive system with multiple star appetites to satisfy, but at 24 and after three seasons in the league, he has proven to be a quick learner.

Some may consider it unlikely that Augustin winds up on the chopping block, but with Kemba Walker nipping at his heels, the team may not hesitate to gauge his trade value. Any interest Charlotte shows in Davis, should he become available, only furthers this possibility.

The Bobcats are a lowly team, but look at the improvement Augustin experienced during his first season as the full-time starter. This is something we cannot ignore, even coming from a team like Charlotte.

Augustin exhibited resolve and consistency last season, two attributes that don't often resonate when one is on a losing team. It is these very characteristics that make him a worthy third piece to add to New York's unfinished puzzle. 

Charlotte's asking price will be undoubtedly steep for the point guard, but as an organization, the Bobcats may be more amenable to dealing with the Knicks than the Hornets because they would be shopping Augustin on their own terms.

Terms that the Knicks may be happy to operate under.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.