New York Knicks: Top 7 Players the Franchise Must Target Immediately

With the acquisitions of Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks are now one step away from returning to prominence. That last step is acquiring a superstar or filling up the remaining roster with valuable role pieces to support Carmelo and Amar'e.  

Right now, the Knicks look like the're aiming to get a third superstar to compete with LeBron James and the Miami Heat, but it became clear in the 2011 NBA Finals that it doesn't work that way unless you play as a team.  

I have compiled a list of seven players the Knicks should target If they have intentions of competing in the Eastern Conference and bringing the finals trophy to New York City.  

Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions may not be the flashiest player out there, but he is certainly a player that can put up descent numbers consistently. Chauncey Billups is not getting any younger, and Sessions can certainly keep up with Mike D'Antoni's fast-paced offense.

Last year, Sessions averaged just over five assists per game as a backup, and if he can do that in Cleveland, he can certainly do it in New York. He's also an average defender, a vital part the Knicks lack.  

If Sessions can help spread the ball in this offense coming off the bench, I see him playing a nice role for the Knicks this upcoming season.

Available in free agency 2012

Steve Nash

The ageless Steve Nash would fit perfectly into the Knicks system, considering he played with Amar'e Stoudemire and Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix a few years back. Nash could be a could be a good veteran pick up for them in a straight-up Billups for Nash trade, depending on how short of a leash Suns GM Lance Blanks has him on.  

I think the Knicks should absolutely inquire about Nash, but at the right cost. Don't give up any young pieces for a player nearing the end of his career. I think a Billups-Nash trade would be fair for both sides, and Steve Nash would bring a lot to the table for this New York team.

Trade Idea

Knicks receive: PG Steve Nash

Suns receive: PG Chauncey Billups, 1st Round Pick

Monta Ellis

Another "Big Three" scenario possibly taking place in New York would be the idea of acquiring Monta Ellis for Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields and a first rounder. The Knicks would rid themselves of Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields—possibly a promising young star—but the return package is to good to not do this trade.  

The Knicks SG woes would be solved, but they would most likely have to move Iman Shumpert/ Toney Douglas to shooting guard unless they pick someone up in free agency. This team would certainly put points on the board, and it's very realistic as well.  

Golden State may be hesitant about this trade, and the Knicks may have to give up a little more to reel in Monta, but the Garden would be hopping if this went down.

Trade Idea

Knicks receive: SG Monta Ellis

Warriors recieve: PG Chauncey Billups, SG Landry Fields, 2 First-Round Draft Picks

Darren Collison and Roy Hibbert

A small point guard with athletic stature and a huge 7'2'' center would certainly give the Knicks an edge offensively and defensively.  

Darren Collison would fit right into this Knicks offense, and Roy Hibbert would give the Knicks the size they lack on the inside. I cannot stress enough how much the Knicks need athletic young players to complement Chauncey, Carmelo and Amar'e.  

Collison is a great transition player and would constantly feed the ball to Melo and Amar'e. Hibbert would give the Knicks size and presence down low.

Trade Idea

Knicks recieve: PG Darren Collison and C Roy Hibbert

Pacers recieve: PG Toney Douglas, SG Landry Fields, 2 Draft Picks

Chris Paul

With each new rumor, it seems more and more likely the possibility of CP3, Melo and Amar'e is less and less likely to take place in the Big Apple. I don't know if I like the idea of trading for Paul, but It seems as if that will be the only option, as teams are inquiring about him already and the season hasn't even started yet.  

Chris Paul would obviously help the Knicks a lot in this offense. He's an all-around superstar that would take the Knicks to the next level. I think the Knicks need size more then a point guard, but If the oppurtunity to grab Paul is there, take it.

Trade Idea

Knicks receive: PG Chris Paul

Hornets receive: PG Chauncey Billups, SG Landry Fields/ Iman Shumpert, draft picks for many years to come

Dwight Howard

If the Knicks were to acquire Dwight Howard without having to give up Stoudemire or Anthony, I think they would be immediate title favorites, no question about it. If Dwight Howard can carry a team with basically no talent whatsoever, the Orlando Magic, he would light it up in the city of New York.  

For some reason, there has been absolutely no rumors at all of Dwight Howard bringing his talents to Broadway, but I think he would make them a championship team. The New York Knicks should really inquire about Dwight Howard, even if it involves possibly having to give up Amar'e Stoudemire, which it most likely will. Then, I would advise them to approach him without giving up too much.

Trade Idea

Knicks receive: C Dwight Howard

Magic receive: PF Amar'e Stoudemire, SG Landry Fields, Draft Picks 

Dwight Howard and Chris Paul

How insane would this be? CP3, Melo and Dwight Howard. Miami Heat who?  

The Knicks could form a dynasty this way. Youth, skill, size, speed. The Knicks would have it all, and thanks to the NBA trade machine, I may have a trade that could successfully work this out. Of course, this is very unlikely, and there have been rumors of Chris Paul and Dwight Howard heading to Los Angeles, which seems very possible to be honest.  

Here's what I was thinking.

Trade Idea

Knicks receive: PG Chris Paul, C Dwight Howard

Hornets receive: PG Gilbert Arenas, SG Landry Fields, SF Hedu Turkoglu, PG Iman Shumpert, First-Round Picks from Knicks

Magic receive: PF Amar'e Stoudemire, PG Chauncey Billups, C Emeka Okafur

This trade sounds so insane and so realistic that the salary's would be evenly distributed to each team. The only icing on the cake would be bringing back Phil Jackson to New York to run the triangle offense. Can you spell dynasty?