NBA Rumors: With rumblings that the Knicks are growing closer to open trade discussions for Carmelo Anthony, we explore whether this path should be taken
It’s pretty clear now. Carmelo Anthony made the wrong decision last summer, from a basketball standpoint. He should’ve signed with the Chicago Bulls. With the team Chicago had last season, Melo would’ve probably been the difference between how they fell short against the banged up Cleveland Cavaliers and making the team’s first NBA Finals appearance since the days of Michael Jordan.
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Most importantly, Melo would be playing meaningful basketball. Something that he’s failed to do since he left the Denver Nuggets – Ok, he did have one lengthy playoff run with the Knicks, but that doesn’t count.
Although, it’s pretty easy to look at this stuff in retrospect. Melo didn’t have that option. Instead, he took the sure thing – the money.
But now, as the Knicks enter year 2 of a much larger rebuilding phase, it’s decision time for both Melo and New York.
Do the Knicks decide to try and trade Melo, because it’s pretty clear it would be better for the current state of their franchise? However, that’s also not a one-way question. Melo needs to ask himself that same thing, since he does have a no-trade clause in his contract.
In essence, is it time for them to move on from each other? As far as the Knicks are concerned, they’re close to coming to such conclusion.
"[via Grantland]The Kings and Knicks should take a look, even though neither has movable assets that would interest Phoenix — unless the Knicks are ready to engage in Carmelo Anthony trade talks. (They’re not there, yet. But they’re getting closer.)"
The ultimate question will be, would Melo welcome a trade? And it’s not that easy.
When linking Carmelo in any trade scenario remember this: he has a no-trade clause. Melo, not Phil, is the 2nd most powerful man at MSG.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) September 10, 2015
And Carmelo's contract includes a trade kicker. So to trade him you need two teams to agree to a deal plus Carmelo to sign off. Good luck.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) September 10, 2015
And if you know anything about the Knicks you know that Phil goes before Carmelo goes.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) September 10, 2015
Having two sides agree to a blockbuster deal, which would be the case if Melo would be traded, is hard enough. Having three sides agree to one could be downright impossible.
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Although, if Melo would be traded, you’d have to think that it would end with him landing in Chicago, right? That’s the ideal landing spot for Melo right now, even if we would be getting ahead of ourselves and this situation.
Nevertheless, the Knicks and Melo could continue to pretend like everything is great in New York, or they could come to their senses and address the elephant in the room. Both sides made a mistake last summer. It’s time that they correct it.