NBA Trade Rumors: Why The Knicks Should Wait To Sign Carmelo Anthony

Yesterday afternoon, the New York Knicks defeated the Denver Nuggets 129-125 to increase their winning streak to eight games. It was their first such streak in 16 years.

However, the fans had more on their mind than extending the streak. Denver Nuggets forward and free-agent-to-be Carmelo Anthony played in his first game back from a knee injury, and the fans let him know just how badly they wanted him in a Knicks uniform.

After the game, Anthony turned heads by stating that he would indeed sign the three-year, $65 million contract extension the Nuggets offered him over the summer, but only if he was traded to the Knicks.

“Everybody’s yelling out the windows: ‘Melo we need you in New York.’ Of course that feels good when you know someone out there wants you to come and represent their team and represent their city. That’s what I took from that.”

As a Knicks fan, I would be thrilled if the team traded for a star player like Anthony.  Pairing him with Amare Stoudemire could only spell out success for a franchise that has spent the last decade drowning in mediocrity and not making the playoffs.

Sadly, this is the real world and we must be honest with ourselves. For the Knicks to trade for Anthony right now, it would cost them a pretty penny. First, they would need to trade power forward Anthony Randolph for a first round draft pick. Then, they would include that pick along with forward and three-point threat Danilo Gallinari, rookie surprise Landry Fields, and possibly center Eddy Curry’s expiring contract. However, despite this potential trade becoming a reality, I think that the smarter decision for the Knicks would be to wait until this summer to sign Anthony.

Right now, the Knicks’ starting lineup looks like this:

Center: Amare Stoudemire

Forward: Danilo Gallinari

Forward: Wilson Chandler

Guard: Landry Fields

Guard: Raymond Felton

All in all, it’s a solid starting five. Felton has done his job both shooting and passing the ball. Gallinari has provided the team with a three-point threat, as has Chandler. Stoudemire is doing just what the team hoped he would, and Fields has been a pleasant surprise, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the court. 

Chandler’s contract expires at the end of this season, and all signs (as of now) point to him eventually re-signing with the Knicks. By signing Anthony and delegating Gallinari to a sixth-man role, the lineup has the potential to look like this:

Center: Stoudemire

Forward: Chandler

Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Guard: Fields

Guard: Felton

Now, we take a look at an even more interesting free agency class.  After the 2011-12 season, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul will be the top player to test the open market. Given the numbers he has put up season after season, there is no doubt that he will receive offers from multiple teams. 

In terms of the Knicks, this is also the offseason during which Gallinari will also become a free agent. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, but let’s be honest. He’s a shooter who barely plays any defense. That being said, I say let him and Raymond Felton walk and use the money that’s coming off the books to bring Paul to New York. If that venture is successful, here’s what the starting lineup could look like:

Center: Stoudemire

Forward: Chandler

Forward: Anthony

Guard: Fields

Guard: Chris Paul

Now, I know what most of you readers are thinking at this point. Why wait until Carmelo Anthony is available to all teams when the Knicks can trade for him right now? I’m glad you asked. Let’s take a look at the saga so far.

Earlier this season, as well as during this past offseason, the Nuggets had a deal practically done with the New Jersey Nets that would have sent Anthony there. In return, the Nuggets would have received two first round draft picks, rookie forward Derrick Favors, and the expiring contract of veteran forward Troy Murphy. Yet, the deal was contingent upon Anthony agreeing to a contract extension with the Nets, and his refusal to do so ultimately killed the trade.

That being said, I’m not too concerned about the Nets making Anthony a bigger offer when and if he becomes a free agent this summer. The way I see it, if he wanted to play for the Nets at all, he’d have agreed to the extension and been on his way.

The only other team besides the Knicks that could make a play for Anthony would be the Chicago Bulls, and I honestly don’t see that union happening at all. The team already has so much money committed to Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose, that to break the bank for another big name just seems silly and wasteful.

The same can be said regarding Chris Paul. He has indicated that if the Hornets are to trade him, he would prefer to go to one of three teams: the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks, or the Los Angeles Lakers. We all know the situation in Los Angeles, so there’s no need to go into detail. In Orlando, were Paul to go there, incumbent point guard Jameer Nelson would almost certainly have to be moved. On top of that, star center Dwight Howard might need to take a pay cut. Given those factors, the New York Knicks would be a perfect fit for him.

Combine the possibilities of Anthony and Paul signing with the Knicks, plus any other acquisitions and/or draft picks the Knicks might sign to the roster. That’s looking like a team that could make the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls go, “Damn….”

All in all, my point is simple. The Knicks simply have to get Carmelo Anthony and if they’re smart, they’ll wait until this summer. Other teams might be able to afford him, but it’s obvious that he doesn’t want to play for any other team except the Knicks. On top of that, the Knicks need to work their budget so that they have a shot at landing Chris Paul. Perhaps if those two players come to New York, the Knicks will finally return to glory.