Feb 13, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Iman Shumpert (21) goes after a loose ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors won the game 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The second-year guard has been involved in a few Knicks trade rumors the past couple of weeks and even though Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson came out last week and said that Shump wouldn’t be traded, it appears that option is still on the table.

Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com reported that a  source tells him that Shumpert is unhappy with being played out of position at small forward, and wants to either see his developmental situation resolved or be moved.

In the past couple of weeks, Shumpert has been linked in rumored deals involving the Phoenix Suns’ Jared Dudley and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Luke Ridnour, but the thought process is that the Knicks would have to get a lot more in return to deal their only young building block.

Sheridan indicated that people close to Shumpert prefer Shump to be in another situation, but Shumpert’s agent Happy Walters took to Twitter to call that report “totally false,” adding that no one in Shumpert’s camp has asked for a trade.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that a deal involving Shumpert won’t happen, but Walters seems to suggest the second-year guard is happy in New York, even though there have been plenty of reports the past couple of weeks that would suggest the opposite.

Despite those rumors, I still don’t believe the Knicks will move Shump by Thursday’s deadline, but stranger things have happened before.

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That piece is likely a legitimate post presence such as Utah’s Paul Millsap or another big body that can score with his back to the basket in the post.

Feb 8, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks point guard Iman Shumpert (21) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

However it won’t be easy to acquire that piece as the Knicks don’t have the trade assets to entice a team to part with a major piece.

The only attractive trade chip they have- second-year guard Iman Shumpert- has seen his name pop up in a few trade rumors over the weekend, prompting the question of if the Knicks would trade the fan favorite and only player on the roster currently under the age of 27?

A Shumpert deal does make some sense.

If the Knicks are indeed in win now mode, then dangling Shumpert to acquire that piece makes sense. But the problem with that scenario is that the Knicks would need a lot more than Shump to entice a team to part with an All-Star type talent.

The Knicks don’t have enough young talent to make a deal, nor do they have enough future first round picks to offer. Remember that salaries have to come close to matching and if the Knicks were to take on major salary, they would have to part with some. They don’t have enough expiring contracts and teams won’t be interested in acquiring the likes of Ronnie Brewer and Chris Copeland.

Pretty much all talks the Knicks would be in will center around Shumpert and they don’t have enough other tradable parts to make a deal.

That won’t stop teams from trying though.

The Phoenix Suns reportedly have interest in Shumpert in a deal that would center around Jared Dudley and a first-round pick. Naturally the Knicks want Phoenix to take Brewer instead, but that has no chance of happening.

If I am Knicks’ general manager Glen Grunwald, it takes a lot more than Dudley for me even to consider parting with Shumpert.

Carmelo Anthony feels the same, telling the New York Post’s Marc Berman that Shumpert shouldn’t be worried about trade rumors.

“He shouldn’t be worrying about that,’’ Anthony said. “The Knicks shouldn’t even be in trade talks right now.’’

Newsday’s Al Iannazzone chimed in by reporting that Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson talked to Shumpert about downplaying the rumors, but wouldn’t go as far as saying that the second-year guard wouldn’t be traded.

Shumpert and Knicks fans alike shouldn’t be worried. He is unlikely to go anywhere.

The only way Shumpert gets dealt is if they can bring in a legitimate piece to help them win a championship and even then, the Knicks will have a problem making a deal happen.

If it is about winning a championship then dealing Shumpert makes sense.

But dealing Shumpert just to make a deal absolutely does not and it is something that more than likely will not happen.

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Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld reported that the Knicks are indeed interested in trading for Dudley, who is having a very good season, averaging 11.8 points per game, but has seen his role reduced a bit since Lindsey Hunter took over for Alvin Gentry.

Source says the New York Knicks have some interest in Jared Dudley. No word on who they would offer or if talks have taken place.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 9, 2013

Jan. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley reacts in the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Lakers 92-86. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

However don’t get too excited.

Dudley is making $4.25 million this season, which would make it difficult for New York to put together an attractive enough package to land Dudley. It is extremely unlikely that they would be interested in veterans such as Marcus Camby or Steve Novak, whose salaries are comparable and would match up in a trade.

Phoenix will want a young player and the Knicks only have one in guard Iman Shumpert and there is no way he is going anywhere.

In addition, the Knicks have already traded away many of their future first-round draft picks, so that likely won’t be an option either.

Dudley would be a nice addition to this current Knicks team, but given how the roster is assembled, the fact that the Knicks are over the salary cap and the fact that they already have 15 guaranteed contracts, it is doubtful that the Knicks will be able to make a move for Dudley or anyone else for that matter.

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February 6, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward-center Andrea Bargnani (7) passes the ball as Boston Celtics center Jason Collins (98) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

With Derrick Rose coming back soon, the Bulls could be looking to make some moves for the second half of the season.

With the trade deadline only a couple of weeks away, the latest NBA Trade Rumor has the Bulls and Toronto Raptors discussing  deal that would send Carlos Boozer to Toronto in exchange for former No.  1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com of  first reported the rumor and did note that more pieces will need to be added as Boozer makes $5 million more than Bargnani this season.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, says talks were initiated by the Bulls. Talks aren’t currently active, but could be revisited by the Raps and could also expand to include Nate Robinson and John Lucas III.

It would be  big deal for the Bulls, who would finally be able to unload  Boozer’s hefty contract. In addition, Bargnani would give the Bulls the perimeter shooting that they are desperately missing. Bargnani is averaging 15.9 PPG and 4.3 RPG in 22 games this season.

Boozer would give the Raptors, who already made a big move in acquiring Rudy Gay,  a legitimate post presence in their attempt to make a push for the playoffs. He is  averaging 15.7 PPG and 9.6 RPG in 45 games.

The proposed deal makes some sense for both teams, but I can’t see it happening as it makes less sense from the Raptors perspective.

Boozer makes over $15 million this season and is set to make over $16 million next season and that is a contract Toronto just doesn’t need right now.  In addition, adding Boozer would put the Raptors well over the luxury tax line next year.

However adding a post-player such as Boozer could make the up-and-coming Raptors a handful in the Atlantic Division for the Knicks for the next couple of seasons.

However, my gut feeling is that this deal doesn’t happen. It’s just another big name being rumored to change teams. There is just too much financial problems the Raptors could see in the future by making this type of move.

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The New York Knicks haven’t been involved in many trade rumors, but they have been linked to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Lou Amundson.

Nov 4, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Lou Amundson (17) against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Timberwolves 105-86. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN 1500’s Darren Wolfson reported on Feb. 1 that both the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers were interested in bringing in Amundson, who is likely on his way out of Minnesota in the not-so-distant future.

Amundson makes sense as the Knicks could use another big body with both Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby out with injury. The UNLV product is also someone that interests the Knicks as they had interest in him during the offseason.

However, there should be no chance the Knicks give up anything to acquire him. Once the ‘Wolves get healthy, Amundson could find himself out of a job, so it would make much more sense for the Knicks to sign him as a free agent, rather than give up something for him, though the price would be cheap, likely only a second round pick.

But the major problem is that the Knicks can’t make a move right now.

They have the maximum of 15 guaranteed contracts so they would have to release a player and eat the money before signing anyone.

The likely scenario is that the Knicks wait on Wallace and Camby, but the problem with waiting is that the team needs another frontcourt player with size right now.

Amundson isn’t a sexy pickup, but without trade assets, which the Knicks do not have, if they do add to the current roster, it will be a player like that.

He would be a guy that could come in and rebound and play defense, which is all the Knicks really need right now. In addition and maybe more importantly, Amundson would simply be an insurance policy in case of injury and the Knicks have had plenty of injuries.

He is a player with playoff experience, playing in all 60 of Indiana’s games last season, averaging 12.6 minutes per contest.

However while Amundson is a guy to keep an eye on, there is no real hurry to add to this roster and it would be doubtful if the Knicks make a serious push at bringing him in right now.

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Just like last season, Danny Ainge must decide whether or not to break up the Celtics core, but sources tell Sean Deveney of The Sporting News that the Clippers and Celtics are engaged in talks surrounding KG.

The offer from the Clippers reportedly would include point guard Eric Bledsoe and forward Caron Butler, which isn’t ideal for the Celtics, but if they decide to deal Garnett, they may not do better for a couple of reasons, the biggest of those being that general manager’s around the league fear that KG will retire before his contract expires in 2015.

Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.

— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013

It would be hard for some team to mortgage the future for an aging vet such as KG if they aren’t sure they would get him for two-plus seasons.

Jan 22, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) looks ahead in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Bledsoe is an attractive trade piece, but with Rajon Rondo signed long-term, he’s not ideal for Boston.

Garnett is almost a perfect fit for the Clippers though.

They could save his legs by handing him a reduced role, but at the same time make the Clippers’ front line even stronger. Plus he would bring much needed veteran leadership to a team on the cusp on contending for a championship.

The one problem for the Clippers is that KG has a no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal.

That’s not likely, even with the attraction of a chance to play for a championship.

How would a Garnett trade affect the New York Knicks?

Well that’s simple. Any trade that would take one of the top players out of the Atlantic Division and send them out west is huge for the Knicks, especially a guy like Garnett that has killed the Knicks in the past.

However don’t get too excited.

My gut feeling on Garnett is that he isn’t going anywhere unless the Celtics are blown away by an offer and that isn’t likely to happen.

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May 19, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Kenyon Martin (2) fouls San Antonio Spurs point guard Gary Neal (14) during the first half of game three of the Western Conference semi finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

In early January, SI reported that there was a link between the Knicks and free-agent Kenyon Martin.  This is one of those minor moves that can provide a major upgrade to the Knicks. With so much uncertainty still surrounding injured big men Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby, the Knicks could afford to give an interior presence such as K-Mart a chance to get back into the NBA.

There is also a level of uncertainty about Martin as he hasn’t played this season in addition to reported attitude issues, but I don’t think either would pose a problem. Martin saw a slight decline last year, but still proved to be a valuable defender and I don’t think most people would doubt that he has the ability to perform on the same level as Wallace and Camby. The fit in New York extends beyond replacing injured Knicks too, as Martin should easily be able to gel with a strong core of veterans, including some of his ex-Nuggets teammates in Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, and the aforementioned Camby.  The marriage between the team and K-Mart may be a little further off than it should be, as Martin is reportedly seeking more than the veteran’s minimum, so there will have to be some sacrifices for this to become a reality.

So long as Wallace is out, the Knicks can also give a look to their undrafted rookie Henry Sims. Currently on the Erie Bayhawks, the Knicks D-League affiliate, Sims is nearly averaging 17 ppg and 9 rpg with over a block a game as well. He has also been coming

Jan 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Marreese Speights (15) grabs a rebound in the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

on strong of late, recording four straight double-double performances. If there were ever a time to see what Sims could bring to the table, it would be now. Compared to all the oft-injured and older bodies the Knicks currently are rotating in the front court, it would be a nice change of pace to see the 6’10”, fresh-legged 22-year-old get a shot to provide reliable minutes.

The Knicks should also look at some potential trade opportunities. Marreese Speights, who was recently traded from Memphis to Cleveland, is a solid target that would make sense.  Speights has a player option of $4.5MM for next season; an option that the Cavs would be best served not risking him declining after the season since they aren’t contenders this year. It would be ideal for them to get some value this year for him if they have an indication that he wont pick up the option, since his part in their rebuilding process isn’t guaranteed. Speights would serve the Knicks well as a 6’10” rebounder and shot blocker, who in his 4 games in Cleveland has also showed some offensive ability with 14 ppg. There would have to be a little creativity with the cap, but it could be a worthwhile idea if the Knicks could make it work and Cleveland is willing.

The Miami Heat are currently linked to Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol, but another trade rumor coming out of Los Angeles has the Brooklyn Nets possibly taking another run at acquiring Dwight Howard.

Jan 20, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts to a technical foul called against him against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

With the Nets now hot on the heels of the Knicks, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see them try and make a big splash at the trade deadline in an attempt to make a lengthy playoff run.

According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com (Sulia link), Nets’ general manager Billy King has been quietly searching for a third team that could include an attractive piece that would help facilitate a trade between the Lakers and Nets.

Things have not worked out well for Howard in a Lakers’ uniform and there is no guarantee he re-signs in Lakerland. Despite Lakers’ owner Jim Buss claiming that they won’t be looking to move Howard, it doesn’t make  much sense to hold onto him  while the Lakers  are struggling, especially if there is  a chance that Howard leaves and the Lakers get nothing for him.

Rudolph reported that King was preparing an offer that would have included Brook Lopez going to the Timberwolves and Kevin Love heading to the Lakers, with a handful of smaller pieces also included in the deal. The Nets believed the Lakers would be intrigued by Love, but the plan suffered a blow when Love was sidelined for two months with a broken hand.

He also noted that King will continue to search for a third team that could facilitate a Howard trade, but won’t make landing the big man the priority that he did a year ago.

This is something that Knicks fans should keep an eye on.

Howard is not a good fit in Mike D’Antoni’s system and seeing the big man land in a team in the Atlantic Division could be a huge blow.

Brooklyn was always Howard’s first choice to begin with and you have to believe he still feels that way.

If the Knicks didn’t believe that the Nets were a serious threat to them in the Atlantic Division, they certainly would be a long-term threat if King could somehow pull a deal off to bring Howard to Brooklyn.

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It’s not that the Knicks won’t want to go out and improve their team when the trade deadline approaches; it is that they won’t be able to.

January 5, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; New York Knicks power forward Amar

Because the Knicks began the season as the oldest team in NBA history, they don’t exactly have the trade assets to use to entice another team to make a deal.

Currently the Knicks have only one player under the age of 27 and that is Iman Shumpert and he isn’t going anywhere in the near future.

Chris Copeland could be a guy that would interest teams, but his contract expires at the end of the season and only cost the Knicks $473k, meaning there would be no need to consider moving the 28-year old rookie. Even if another team wanted Copeland, the Knicks wouldn’t be able to improve thanks to being a luxury tax paying team, which is problem No. 2.

CBS Sports’ Ken Berger reported that the Knicks would love to deal Amar’e Stoudemire for cap relief purposes, but there won’t be any takers on STAT thanks to his contract and his health risks.

The only other trade option the Knicks have could be Marcus Camby as contending teams may want to add a defensive presence, but that is a stretch considering Camby signed a three-year deal in the offseason which no other team will likely want to touch and he has had health concerns of his own.

Because of the lack of tradeable players and the current salary cap situation of the franchise, it all but rules out a midseason improvement. With 15 guaranteed contracts, the Knicks can’t even sign a player (plenty of Kenyon Martin rumors), without releasing a player and eating his contract first.

That means what you see is what you get from the Knicks this season, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Sure they have slumped recently, going only 5-8 over their past 13 games, but after the end of January it looks like this team will be as close to 100 percent healthy for the first time all season.

That will give them plenty of time to continue to build chemistry as the playoffs approach. It also eliminates the potential of making a move just for the sake of making a move.

Sometimes it is a bummer when you don’t see your team out there trying to add the missing piece to what could be a championship team, but in the Knicks case that could be a good thing.

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January 13, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Amar

It’s also no secret how much the Knicks have struggled with Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler on the floor together.

Since his January 1 return, Knicks’ head coach Mike Woodson has worked Stoudemire back into the rotation off the bench, but while Woodson is trying to find a role that fits for STAT, could he be showcasing Stoudemire around the NBA for a potential deal as well?

I have been on record several times stating the Knicks will never find a taker for Stoudemire. His contract, which owes him $60 million the next three years, is just too big and his health is just too much of a concern.

There is also concern about the chemistry. The Knicks are only 3-4 since Stoudemire returned and while there are plenty of other factors that have played into the Knicks slide, is it a coincidence that the Knicks aren’t winning consistently with STAT back on the floor?

If a deal came around the Knicks would take it. There is no debating that.

They want to unload that contract and get cap relief in the process. But in order to make a deal, the Knicks will have to take on some salary as well, which isn’t ideal.

If that is the case, looking at guys such as Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay and other makes sense and upgrades the team, especially in the case of Gay, who could play the 3 and let Anthony play the 4 on a more consistent basis.

But all of that is speculation.

The problem with acquiring a star from another team is getting them to agree to take on Stoudemire and that is an extremely tough sell.

Having said that I don’t expect Stoudemire to be going anywhere anytime in the near future.

But you never know. He is unintentionally being showcased around the NBA right now. Who knows, some team may be willing to roll the dice.

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Jan 10, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) at the free throw line against the Dallas Mavericks during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings 117-112 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks have made their big move, probably the biggest in their franchise’s history, two trade deadlines ago when they acquired Carmelo Anthony. Before the Knicks traded for Anthony, they of course signed Amar’e Stoudemire, their first headline player in the decade. A few months later, the Knicks signed Tyson Chandler, completing their quest for big names while eating up most of their salary cap. The Knicks are pretty much set and due to them making these big moves the past 3 seasons, they can’t make a big splash for a player like Rudy Gay or DeMarcus Cousins, nor would they have any use for them.

Knicks’ brass has done a great job filling in and creating a roster for head coach Mike Woodson to compete with. With additions like Jason Kidd, Steve Novak, J.R. Smith, Marcus Camby, Pablo Prigioni, and Raymond Felton, the Knicks are pretty much set with their roster. I can see them making a trade for a role player but not a big move at all. Knicks management, media, and Knicks fans are all happy with this team. They don’t need to ponder in making a move at all at the trade deadline in my opinion. Obviously if a deal is offered to them that they can’t refuse that improves the team drastically, I’m all in favor for taking it.

This Knicks team is the best team this city has seen in a decade. Chemistry and trust doesn’t come on a waiver wire or on a last second trade deadline move. Team chemistry is by far the key component in winning a championship. This team has it. They have each other’s back and they core of the team has been playing together for more than a year now. This is the Knicks window to win, with this team and with these players. No need to make any big trades.

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

And since that time there has been a ton of speculation that Gasol could be headed to the Big Apple in exchange for Amar’e Stoudemire. Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld touches on the speculation that Gasol and Stoudemire could be trading places, but I’m here to tell you just exactly how much of a chance a deal like this could get done.

Nov 24, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) drives the ball past Dallas Mavericks power forward Troy Murphy (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

No chance. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Not happening.

That’s the funny thing about the rumor mill is that any player can be dealt to any team and while this would be a positive deal for both teams, it won’t happen.

I think Gasol would be a better fit on this Knicks team then he currently is in Lakerland. In addition, I think Stoudemire, in D’Antoni’s system, paired again with Steve Nash, would give the Lakers another explosive scorer to take some pressure off of Kobe Bryant.

But there is one major roadblock that will prevent these teams from even discussing a deal- Stoudemire’s contract.

That contract has three years and close to $60 million left on it and no team, especially the Lakers is going to take on that type of financial commitment for an often injured star on the backside of his career.

Stoudemire’s contract is worse than Gasol’s big figure and could be the worst in the NBA right now. With the new CBA, teams don’t want to get into the tax paying luxury tax. Most teams have avoided doing so and Jim Buss didn’t make any major moves last season to improve the Lakers because he didn’t want to take on money.

He’s not taking on $60 million of Stoudemire.

Then there’s the Dwight Howard situation.

Howard remains unsigned for next season and if the Lakers want to retain the All-Star center, they won’t be adding $60 million of payroll.

Gasol has two more seasons left on his deal for $19 million this year and a $19.28 million season next year. That’s hardly an attractive number especially for a team playing for anything, because those teams are at the luxury tax line or already over it. With the new CBA, teams can’t take on salary at will.

If the Lakers move Gasol, it will be to get younger and more athletic. The Lakers don’t have youth and traded all of their draft picks away to sign Nash. Ultimately Mitch Kupchak will want to bring in a capable body to replace Gasol and some quality youth to make the Lakers younger and deeper.

That is something the Knicks can’t really help with.

The Knicks have the same problem and to get the Lakers or any other team to take on Stoudemire’s contract they will have to sweeten the pot. The only player on the Knicks’ roster under the age of 27 is Iman Shumpert and he isn’t going anywhere.

The reality is that the Knicks don’t have the trade chips to get the Lakers to take on Stoudemire’s contract.

It’s real easy for everyone to say just trade Stoudemire when he’s healthy, but in reality his contract is pretty much untradeable and if they could get someone to take it, they wouldn’t receive anything close to value for him anyway.

Gasol for Stoudemire sounds nice, but it just won’t happen.

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May 18, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) controls the ball against the defense of Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) during the first half of game three of the Western Conference semifinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

If you are like me, you want this Dwight Howard soap opera to come to an end no matter where the Orlando Magic send the NBA’s most fragile superstar.

The latest, in what seems to be the one millionth different rumor about Howard, has Howard going to the Los Angeles Lakers in a four team blockbuster that also features the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets.

The deal would break down like this, according to Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski:

There are other players involved in these fluid talks, but a framework of the possible deal includes Howard and Denver forward Al Harrington going to the Lakers, Philadelphia guard Andre Iguodala going to the Nuggets, Los Angeles center Andrew Bynum moving to the 76ers, and Los Angeles forward Pau Gasol and Denver guard Arron Affalo going to the Magic, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Magic would also gain draft picks and salary cap relief in the proposed deal and would have a better chance of moving Gasol in another deal to get further assets. That eliminates the risk of Bynum leaving them as a free agent in 2013.

As for how the deal would affect the Knicks, watching Howard leave Orlando is no big deal as the Knicks have had success against Howard, especially in 2012.

However if the Sixers were able to land Bynum, it would create an interesting dilemma.

Philadelphia could be one legit big body away from becoming a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. If Bynum would be dealt to Philadelphia, the Atlantic Division would get just that much tougher.

The Knicks would not just have to deal with a rebuilt Brooklyn Nets team and the always tough Boston Celtics. But now the Sixers would be in a position to add a dominant center. Add to that a Toronto Raptors team that is beginning to stockpile some good young talent and the Atlantic could turn into a year round dog fight between all five teams.

The Knicks are loaded with talent in the short-term, but so are the other teams. Adding an All-Star center to the division will just make things that much tougher.

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Apr 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic defeated the Sixers 88-82. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The interesting part is that Sheridan listed the Knicks as one of the potential teams that could make a serious push to acquire the six-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

But would Howard be a good fit in the Big Apple and would the price the Knicks would have to pay be worth bringing him to town?

As for being a good fit, anytime you add 20.6 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks at the 5 spot, it’s a very good fit.

But that brings me to the price the Knicks would have to pay and that would be reigning Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler and either Amar’e Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony in exchange for Howard and they would have to take back one of Orlando’s bad contracts as well. Hopefully it would be Hedo Turkoglu’s and not Chris Duhon’s.

The one upside is that if it were Stoudemire and not Anthony in the deal, the Knicks would free themselves of the remaining three years of Stoudemire’s deal, which face it, is a risky one given his injury concerns.

Say that deal goes through, and assuming the Knicks re-sign point guard Jeremy Lin, the future lineup would look like this”

PG- Lin

SG- Iman Shumpert, when he’s healthy

SF- Anthony

PF- A huge hole

C- Howard

That’s assuming Turkoglu comes off the bench, but there’s also the option of starting him at the 3 and moving Melo to the 4, in that case I would like that lineup a lot.

But don’t get too excited. No one would touch Stoudemire in a trade like that and hopefully general manager Glen Grunwald wouldn’t think about pulling the trigger on a deal without Howard signing long-term in New York and that’s still unlikely to happen.

There’s also the fact of Howard’s immaturity and the prima donna he’s become throughout the course of the past season. He’s not a leader and is a liability on the floor in tight fourth quarters.

Then you have to look at if the personalities of Melo and Howard would mesh well in New York and I have my doubts. When would the first time Howard would cry about not getting the ball enough?

I’m setting the over/under at Game 4 of the regular season.

You can look at this from any angle you would like, but while it would be nice to add the best center in the NBA in order to take a run at a championship, this is a deal Grunwald has to pass on.

The production would be nice but the Knicks don’t need the baggage and the distractions that comes along with Howard.

Some guys you want to go to battle with and Chandler is one of those players.

Some guys are talented, but are nothing more than side-show comedy acts and that sums Howard up to a T.

So while there will be rumors flying around like crazy as soon as the season ends, don’t get too excited. Howard won’t be wearing a Knicks uniform anytime soon.