The Eddy Curry Conundrum

Over the next two days, Eddy Curry has a chance to help the New York Knickerbockers win the NBA title and become one of the most popular players in the team's illustrious history.

Yes, that Eddy Curry.

Are you recovered yet? Didn't think so. I'll give you another minute.

Ok. Here's how.

Curry, who has three years and about $31.5m left on his contract, has what we call in the business an "ETO" (early termination option). If Curry opted out, the remainder of the deal would be voided.

Now, you might ask why Curry would possibly opt out of a deal as outlandish as this. I am hoping/praying that Curry has a heart, err, a soul. (Curry's heart has already been found to be, um, faulty.)

Maybe, his guilty conscience will get the best of him, and he will come to realize that he has done enough damage in the Big Apple.

Here are some of his "gaudy" accomplishments:

-Was traded for two first round (LaMarcus Aldridge and Joakim Noah) and two second round picks
-Arrived at mini-camp either out of shape or injured each season in New York
-In his best season as a Knick (2006-7), his team was eight points better per 100 possessions with him on the bench. (More fun with his stats here and here.)
-Never missed a 3-pointer as a Knick (1-1; he's actually 2-2 in his career)
-Shot 100% from the floor in the 20089 season (2-2).

Clearly, Curry opting out is not happening.

But, let's just say it did.

Let's say he played the "I don't deserve the money because I have never contributed to the team in a meaningful way, and my contract is an albatross for a franchise on the up and up, and I do not want to be the person blamed for Lebron not coming to town" card. Would that be the fastest image reinvention of all time? (Kobe turning from icon to sexual predator back to icon was pretty quick.) He would never have to pay for a drink again in New York.

A boy could dream.

Five Destinations for Amare

Phoenix will be hosting Sunday's NBA All Star Game. Had the game been played anywhere else, I am confident that Amare Stoudemire would have been traded already. Still, here are five teams that could make a play for him before the February 19th trade deadline.

Portland

Amare and Alando Tucker for Jerryd Bayless, LaMarcus Aldridge and Raef Lafrentz's expiring contract

Rumors are floating around that the Blazers have offered this package to the Suns. If this is an actual offer, Steve Kerr, please stop reading this and go accept... immediately. This still seems like waaaaaaay too much to give away on the Blazers' end.

New York

Amare, Goran Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa for Stephon Marbury, Nate Robinson, and Wilson Chandler

Phoenix would clear about $20m from its books next season and get an up-and-coming small forward in Chandler and a spark plug sixth man in Robinson. The Knicks could build around Amare. Additionally, playing with Amare would have to be appealing to Lebron.

Indiana

Amare and Goran Dragic for Rasho Nesterovic, Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush, and Marquis Daniels

Both Daniels and Nesterovic's contracts expire this year. Hibbert and Rush, two first round draft picks, would ease the loss of sending Amare away. The Pacers would have a starting five of Amare, TJ Ford, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy. That team could win the East.

New Jersey

Amare and Goran Dragic for Ryan Anderson, Chairman Yi, Josh Boone, Stro Swift, and Maurice Ager

Again, this deal gives Phoenix cap relief and young talent. Is it enough, though? The Nets should hope so because he would make them a force in the East. Amare-Devin Harris-Vince Carter-Brook Lopez. Wow.

Oklahoma City

Amare, Goran Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa for Chris Wilcox, Desmond Mason, Joe Smith, Mouhamed Sene, San Antonio's 2009 1st Rounder and Phoenix's 2010 1st Rounder

Call me crazy, but this deal works for everyone.

The Thunder have five first round picks over the next two years. Dealing away two wouldn't be the end of the world especially since their 2009 first rounder should be in the top five. The nucleus of Amare-Russell Westbrook-Jeff Green-Kevin Durant would be among the league's best.

The Suns get their desired cap room plus some picks and a flier on Sene.