Who To Get Rid Of?
Once the new GM is installed, they are immediately met with their first hurdle. The Roster.
The New York Knicks’ roster is a roster not equal to the sum of their parts. They have aging superstars who are past their primes.
Carmelo Anthony
Daily Knicks
Carmelo Anthony has been discussed as a trade option consistantly for the last few years. For the Knicks to start building towards Porzingis’ prime, Anthony needs to go. Whilst the days are gone where Anthony will demand a king’s ransom, finding long-term pieces is a must. Talks of a trade with the Celtics involving Jae Crowder are gathering momentum and he could be a good starting point.
Whilst Crowder isn’t a world-beater by any stretch, the value for Anthony has been slashed recently and Crowder is young enough to stick around. The trade rumors for Blake Griffin are short-sighted beyond belief. Blake is often injured and not on the timeline that the Knicks should be looking at. Whilst he still has flashes of brilliance, and could pair well with Porzingis, he is not the long-term answer.
The Others
Derrick Rose needs to not be re-signed and elder players like Courtney Lee needs to be shipped elsewhere. Getting market value should not be the No. 1 priority. The opportunity cost of giving minutes to players who are not going to develop is worth getting a smaller return.
Jokaim Noah is on the worst contract in the league. His four-year, $72 million contract is far above his production. That is without considering recent injury and suspension news. All the Knicks can do is keep the contract and consider it a sunk cost. In three seasons when the contract is off the books, the Knicks can hopefully use that money to sign another piece.