Carmelo Anthony: Why a Trade To The New York Knicks Doesn't Make Any Sense

Carmelo Anthony reportedly will not sign an extension unless he is traded to the New York Knicks this season. 

The news puts the Denver Nuggets in a difficult position, knowing that they have zero chance of retaining their superstar once Anthony becomes a free agent after this season.

The Nuggets have been exploring several trades for Anthony, including a heavily rumored one with the New Jersey Nets that would have sent rookie Derrick Favors and center Troy Murphy to Denver.

But the one trade that should not happen is the one that would send Anthony to New York.

Anthony has made it perfectly clear that he intends to play for the Knicks next season, and it doesn't make much of a difference to him how that happens. Regardless of which team he finishes this season playing for, he will be in New York next year.

So if that's understood, why on Earth would the Knicks want to trade for Anthony when they can sign him as a free agent?

It makes no sense for them to give up a young, but talented, Danilo Gallinari to acquire the Nuggets star. It makes even less sense to trade Eddy Curry's massive expiring contract, which can be used to improve the team by bringing in other players or draft picks this season.

The only incentive to bringing Anthony in now is if the Knicks think they can contend for a championship right now. That's not as delusional of a thought as it would have been last year, but the Knicks still have to compete with the Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Magic, Lakers, Spurs and any number of other teams.

They'd be much better off holding on to their assets, signing Anthony this summer and making a run next season.

The Nuggets should still trade Anthony, but the Knicks shouldn't bother making an offer if they're really confident they can get Anthony as a free agent.