New York Knicks: What If the Team Never Traded for Carmelo Anthony?

In hopes of signing LeBron James, the New York Knicks saved up a ton of cap space for the summer of 2010. But, as we all know, King James would choose to pass up the bright lights of New York City for sunny South Beach and a shot at an NBA championship.

The Knicks didn't get James, but they were able to land Amar'e Stoudemire that summer, although they overpaid for his services ($99.7 million over five years).     

The addition of Stoudemire was great, but it just wasn't enough.

The Knicks felt that in order to compete with the league's elite teams, they were going to have to pair Stoudemire with another star. So, with that thought, the team went out and acquired four-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets last February. 

Anthony would go on to help New York reach the playoffs, where they were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round. 

Expected to be a title contender this season, the Knicks have been one of the league's biggest disappointments, owning a forgettable 8-14 record. The Anthony-Stoudemire duo just hasn't worked out. 

But what if the Knicks never picked up 'Melo? That's probably a question that many New Yorkers often ask themselves these days.

When the Anthony deal was made, many people felt that the Knicks gave up way too much. And, well, those people were right.

The team gave up solid players in Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler, but the guy that they definitely shouldn't have traded is Danilo Gallinari, who's looking like a future All-Star for the Nuggets. 

Speaking of the Nuggets, they've been playing outstanding ball this year with a 15-7 record. It's safe to say that there aren't many fans in Denver right now who are missing Anthony.

Anyway, you can't just blame the Anthony trade for the Knicks' bad start this season. Stoudemire is averaging 18 points per game, seven points fewer than last season. Plus, the team doesn't have a point guard who can get the ball to the scoring duo of Anthony and Stoudemire.

The Knicks had a point guard in Billups, who came to New York with Anthony, but the team waived him in the offseason in order to sign Tyson Chandler. Hopefully for the Knicks, Baron Davis can become that much-needed point guard when he's finally healthy.     

The Knicks have had a disastrous season thus far, but it's still too early to label the Anthony trade a bust.

It's not over till the fat lady sings.