New York Knicks Trade Rumors: 10 Non-Carmelo Anthony Players Knicks Will Target
The New York Knicks are playing extremely well behind the solid play of Raymond Felton and Amar'e Stoudemire. But they are going to run these guys into the ground if they keep this pace up. The Knicks have looked great so far this year and are surpassing expectations.
Everybody is wondering if Carmello Anthony is going to be a Knick—or a Net. Bottom line is, nobody knows yet, but the Knicks need to add some depth while keeping money available for Anthony, to stay in the running for the big prize.
Here are some possible trade scenarios.
No. 10: Anderson Varejao, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
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If the Knicks acquire Anderson Varejao it means Carmelo Anthony is unattainable. Varejao is set to make $35 million over four years and there is no way they could pull off the Anthony deal with that monkey on their back.
Varejao is the kind of big man they are looking for. He plays tough and would do all the dirty work, allowing Amar'e Stoudemire to move back to the four spot.
It looks like Cleveland might be looking to start fresh, and they could get Anthony Randolph, picks, cash or expiring contracts.
No. 9: O.J. Mayo, G, Memphis Grizzlies
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There were rumors of O.J. Mayo coming to New York swirling right around the same time he got into a fight with Tony Allen on the team's plane. But they died, only to resurface a few days ago. ESPN's Chris Broussard believes they are trying to get him in as a last-ditch effort to acquire Carmelo Anthony, while the NY Daily news reports it is simply because they want Mayo.
Mayo would fit in Mike D'Antoni's system, and doesn't carry the weight of a huge contract. The Knicks would supposedly part ways with Wilson Chandler and either Landry Fields or Danilo Gallinari for Mayo.
No. 8: Chris Kaman, C, Los Angeles Clippers
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Chris Kaman is always hurt. That is his downside. The upside for the Knicks is that he is the perfect compliment to Amar'e Stoudemire in the low post.
Kaman's team is fourth in the league in rebounds, thanks in large-part to Blake Griffin's 12.5 boards per game. But it is questionable to say the least if the Clipper would be willing to part ways with Kaman with such a budding star in Griffin at the four.
Kaman is due back soon from an ankle injury. The Knicks would have to work some magic, but I think it could be done. If they got Kaman, they could forget about Anthony. Too much dough.
No. 7: Nazr Mohammed, C, Charlotte Bobcats
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Nazr Mohammed is a former New York Knick, and they would welcome back this 6'10'' 250 lbs monstrosity in a heartbeat. But is Nazr Mohammed really going to be the guy that gets the Knicks to the next round of the playoffs? I'm doubtful, and I think that's why this trade wouldn't happen.
But the reasons it might is because he has one year left on his deal and is making $6.8 million in Charlotte. The Bobcats are currently eight games under .500, so one more losing streak and they should start entertaining trade offers.
There's a possibility this trade happens due to a need for depth, size and expiring contracts.
No. 6: Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies
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This would signal that the Carmelo Anthony trade is not going through. Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol's brother, is 26, has a ton of promise and one year currently remaining on his deal. He is entering his prime and about to sign a big contract.
Gasol is 7'1'', 265 lbs, and averaging 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. His numbers are slightly down from his career averages, but pair him with Amar'e Stoudemire and the results could be championships. He would be the big man that the Knicks need and Stoudemire wants to take the pressure off.
No. 5: Samuel Dalembert, C, Sacramento Kings
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Samuel Dalembert has an expiring contract worth $12.2 million and his team can afford to lose him right now. The 6'11', 250 lbs, big man's numbers are down, and so are his minutes. The kings are young and capable, and will probably be willing to get rid of him for draft picks.
Dalembert is averaging 4.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. This is a legitimate move for both teams. it would give the Knicks some depth, and allow the Kings to get get rid of some old to bring in some more new.
No. 4: Tyson Chandler, C, Dallas Mavericks
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Tyson Chandler is playing some of the best basketball of his career and could be the big man the Knicks need. At 7'1'', Chandler provides the size they need at the center spot and would allow for Amar'e to be the forward he wants to be.
Not to mention he would provide some quality depth with his 9.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
No. 3: Tony Battie, F-C, Philadelphia 76ers
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Tony Battie is a big body that wouldn't bring much besides size and an expiring contract. He is what the Knicks want for the short term: to be able to rest Stoudemire and battle with the Celtics' big bodies.
He only averages 2.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in almost 11 minutes per game.
No. 2: Daniel Gibson, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Daniel Gibson is averaging 13.3 points and 3.3 assists per game for a bad Cleveland team. The likelihood of them winning a championship before LeBron James looks highly unlikely. So I would look for them to start from square one.
They might be looking for draft picks or expiring contracts to build for the future. Gibson would provide Raymond Felton with quality depth, and he would be able to get out and run in this offense.
No. 1: Andre Iguodala, G, Philadelphia 76ers
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Andre Iguodala showed us this summer at the FIBA World Basketball Championships that he is a great defender, rebounder and third option. Over his years in Philly, all he showed us was that he is not a true marquee player that you build around.
He does better as a facilitator to others, and he would be perfect in that role in New York. You could look for the Knicks to give up Wilson Chandler or Anthony Randolph and the expiring contract of Eddy Curry.
