If you're Riley, there are plenty of logical reasons not to entertain the idea of swapping James for Howard. In the first season of a long-term commitment, the Heat came within two wins of a title despite absorbing Mike Bibby's disastrous postseason. The team is not broken, so there's no pressing need to make a fix. Considering Wade's age and crash dummy playing style, dealing the Marquette product, instead of James, probably would be the safer choice, but the Heat front office might not have the stomach to deal the longtime face of its franchise to an intrastate rival.

In the end, here's the reality of the situation: With James, the Heat are title contenders; with Howard instead, they are still title contenders. On one hand, inserting Howard into the equation would produce a defensive powerhouse with a balanced scoring arsenal. On the other, keeping James would allow the Heat to build on a foundation that is already elite on both ends of the floor.

So, James or Howard? If you are Pat Riley, there is no wrong answer -- just the easier one.