The Knicks are 10-10, four games out of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and dreaming of a playoff run on the backs of veteran Carmelo Anthony, and hotshot rookie Kristaps Porzingis.
If the Knicks are serious about building their future around Porzingis, however, the best course of action is to explore trading Anthony while he still has tremendous value. Here are three deals involving Anthony that could set up the Knicks for the future, and still keep them relevant in the present.
Knicks Receive: Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Bulls 2016 1st Round Pick
Bulls Receive: Carmelo Anthony, Jose Calderon
There would be a ton of names moving in this trade, but the reality is none of them have the value anymore that they once did. Derrick Rose in particular is a faded star; all the injuries have dropped his upside, and he’s no longer required to be Chicago’s primary scorer. Jimmy Butler has that covered now, but adding Anthony to help him would make the Bulls’ offense devastating.
As for the Knicks, Rose’s slashing would be easier with Porzingis as the primary big man, because he spaces the floor and creates lanes. Noah is a great fit in the triangle offense, even if he comes off the bench, because of his passing ability. And Chicago likely wouldn’t have an incredible pick, but it would get the Knicks into the 2016 first round.
Kristaps Porzingis Is Greater Free Agent Bait Than Carmelo
Knicks Receive: David Lee, Evan Turner, Nets’ 1st Round Pick
Celtics Receive: Carmelo Anthony
This move would be very bold for the Celtics, and less justifiable from the Knicks’ end if they claim they want to win immediately. From New York’s perspective, however, they just saw Friday night how awful Brooklyn is. Their pick represents a chance at LSU phenom Ben Simmons, and Simmons plus Porzingis is the start of something potentially dominant. Right now, Anthony’s age means he likely won’t be elite when Porzingis hits his prime.
Anthony would give the Celtics the dominant scorer they need to topple Cleveland in the East, however, and the culture has been established by coach Brad Stevens. It’s an ideal landing spot for ‘Melo, provided he can buy into more passing.
Knicks Receive: Markieff Morris, Devin Booker, Tyson Chandler, Cavaliers’ 1st Round Pick
Suns Receive: Carmelo Anthony, Langston Galloway
Chandler is a $13 million expiring contract who can play well this year who is expendable for Phoenix because Alex Len is around. Booker and Morris are sweet shooters who can space the floor just like Porzingis and energize the Knicks’ transition offense.
In this trade the Suns are trading a lot, but they hang on to their two best players – Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight – and gain a Top 5 scorer in the NBA they can assuredly count on in the clutch.
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