How about Zach Randolph as a Piston?

The New York Knicks power forward fits the profile that Joe Dumars defined as prerequisites for a trade. Randolph is an impact player. He'll definitely fill a void, providing a consistent low-post offensive presence.

But the most intriguing aspect of courting Randolph is that it might not cost the Pistons as much as trying to get Carmelo Anthony or Tracy McGrady.

Randolph, the former Michigan State star, doesn't fit in new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offensive philosophy. He also has three years and an outrageous $48 million remaining on his contract, making him even more expendable.

The Pistons should have gone after Randolph last season, when Portland shopped him around, but Dumars was confident that his veteran core had at least one more serious shot at the crown.

The Pistons would be a good spot for Randolph, who's still battling issues with immaturity. He's not a leader.

He remains a follower.

Getting maximum production from him on the court and respectable conduct off the court are incumbent upon placing him on a team with strong positive influences in the locker room, on the coaching staff and in the front office.