NBA Trade Rumors: What Do the Knicks Have To Do To Land Carmelo Anthony?

The Summer of LeBron has turned into the Fall of Carmelo.

While Anthony has yet to publicly announce his dissatisfaction with the Denver Nuggets, the writing seems to be on the wall. It seems that new rumors come up on a daily basis.

Just this past Friday, a proposed four team deal involving the Nuggets, Nets, Jazz, and Bobcats had gained steam. However, it's far from a sure thing. Any deal involving 'Melo would most assuredly require a signed extension; otherwise it is simply not worth the risk.

Looking at the makeup of the Nets, their chances look slim if they include Devin Harris and Derrick Favors in such a deal. It wouldn't make sense for Carmelo to leave the still competitive Nuggets roster for the depleted Nets.

New York and Chicago are supposedly at the top of Anthony's list. With Chicago refusing to include Joakim Noah in any potential deal, it appears as if the Bulls are out of the running.

This is where the Knicks can jump in to accelerate a deal and steal him away from potential suitors.

It's no secret that Donnie Walsh and the Knicks are targeting 'Melo. However, unknown sources have purportedly stated that the Knicks simply do not have the assets to make a deal. While the Knicks have plenty of promising young talent, it appears the Nuggets are determined to get a near future first round pick—a pick that the Knicks currently do not have.

Walsh recently stated his regret over including the Knicks 2012 first round pick in a trade to the Houston Rockets for Tracy McGrady. While the Knicks still have a 2014 first round pick they can include in a deal—the Knicks have a 2011 and 2013 first round pick, but per NBA rules they cannot go two years without a pick—the Nuggets simply do not have three years to wait before they can use that pick to kick start the rebuilding process.

Wilson Chandler's name has been linked to several teams and would most likely be able to fetch a first round pick for the Knicks. That would certainly move the Knicks back into the conversation. Even if they are unable to move him or one of their other players for a first round pick, there is still hope.

Eddy Curry, a name that evokes painful memories of a bygone era in Knicks history, has finally become an asset. With an $11 million contract set to come off the books next year, the Nuggets are sure to covet the cap relief he can provide. Packaging him in a deal also helps to match salaries.

While still not an ideal trade for the Knicks, sending Eddy Curry's carcass along with Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and their 2014 first round pick for Carmelo Anthony is acceptable. As great as Wilson Chandler is, it doesn't seem likely that the Knicks will extend or offer him a large contract when he hits free agency this summer. The Knicks would be better off trading him now instead of letting him walk away. Since the first round pick will not turn out to be a high one with Anthony drastically helping to improve their record, it's an easy pill to swallow.

Packaging Anthony Randolph, Danilo Galinari, and Wilson Chandler seems like a sure fire way to push a deal through. There's no arguing the potential in each of those players. However, that's a deal that Donnie Walsh would surely not make. Mortgaging the Knicks future in order to boost their chances of winning now would be the quick way to satisfy Knicks fans but in the long run may not be worth the risk—especially if soon to be fan-favorite, Anthony Randolph, blossoms into the star many are predicting.

There is one rather risky move the Knicks can pull, which is to do nothing.

Since it is apparent that Carmelo will not be picking up his player option for the upcoming season, he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. That would pave the way for the Knicks to recruit and sign him outright. That is by far the most ideal scenario as the Knicks would not have to trade away any of the highly coveted assets they currently possess.

Stoudemire isn't getting any younger, and he's going through the prime of his career, much like Anthony. Pairing the two together now gives the Knicks the best opportunity to compete in the East.