NBA Trade Rumors: Why Carmelo Anthony Needs New York to Boost His Legacy

Carmelo Anthony trade rumors have been percolating for months and months, but his final landing spot remains a question mark.

If Carmelo could pick his own destination, New York would be the place. Although a trade to NY isn't currently in the works, that could change quickly as the trade deadline approaches.

Here are the 10 reasons Carmelo would be helping his legacy by moving to the Big Apple.

10. Change of Scenery, Change of Motivation

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on as he warms up for the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USE

Carmelo Anthony's play has dipped a bit this year because his future is so up in the air. A move to New York would give Carmelo a chance to get comfortable in one place.

A move would also help Anthony motivate himself.

Sometimes a guy just needs a change of scenery, and 'Melo appears to be one of those players.

9. Knicks' Offensive Style Could Make Carmelo an MVP

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

Knicks' Head Coach Mike D'Antoni runs a very specific offensive style and Carmelo fits well with it.

While defense is not necessarily a premium in New York, Carmelo could give the Knicks a forward to match up with opponents' best wing players.

If Carmelo is given free reign to run and shoot as much as he wants in a D'Antoni offense, he really could become something the Knicks have been without since Willis Reed in 1969-70.

An MVP candidate.

8. Already Won a Championship in New York

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NEW ORLEANS - APRIL 7: Carmelo Anthony #15 of Syracuse holds up tommorows paper which declares the Orangeman national champs after he and his team defeated Kansas 81-78 during the championship game of the NCAA Men's Final Four Tournament on April 7, 2003

During Carmelo Anthony's single year in college, he led the Syracuse Orange to a NCAA national championship before becoming the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.

It was the first major basketball championship in the state since the Knicks won in 1973.

Moving to the Knicks would give Carmelo a chance to repeat the New York feat.

7. Headed Home

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User ex

Carmelo Anthony was born and raised in Brooklyn before moving to Baltimore when he was eight years old.

Everyone loves a triumphant homecoming, and this would be 'Melo's chance for it.

6. Fits With Other Players

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LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 1: Amare Stoudemire #12 and Carmelo Anthony #15 of the USA laugh as they watch from the bench during the FIBA Americas Championship 2007 Semifinal game at the Thomas & Mack Center September 1, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by J

Carmelo Anthony appears to be a guy who gets along with his teammates, which is something that would continue in New York.

Carmelo and current Knicks star Amare Stoudemire know each other from their days with USA Basketball and facing each other in the Western Conference.

Seems like a pretty natural fit.

5. Balance of Power

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets gets open and lookls for the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USER: User ex

If Carmelo Anthony moves to the Eastern Conference, it might signal a shift in NBA power between the two conferences.

For a long time the West has been deeper and more talented, but if Carmelo goes to New York that may well change.

4. Bigger Stage, Bigger Impact

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Director Spike Lee courtside during the game between the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on February 2, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

Madison Square Garden is one of the most historically renowned buildings in sports, and New York holds their athletes to a higher level of scrutiny.

Wherever Carmelo Anthony ends up there will be expectations, but in New York he'd face an incredibly high level of attention.

If 'Melo went to NY and found success, it would mean more to Knicks fans than anyone else in the NBA.

3. Natural Conference Rival With LeBron James

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 14: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Western Conference drives against LeBron James #23 of the Eastern Conference during the third quarter of the NBA All-Star Game, part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at Cowboys Stadium on February 14, 2

LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony will always be linked because they were both high picks in the 2003 NBA Draft, but they've never had much of an on-court rivalry.

If Carmelo comes to New York the rivalry would blow up. The Heat and Knicks have a bit of 1990s history and this would bring it roaring back.

Carmelo would also probably be the only player that could defend LeBron in the entire Eastern Conference.

2. Savior of the Knicks

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 5: A fan anticipating a possible impending trade wears a New York Knicks jersey with the first name and number of Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game withthe Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Januar

"'Melo to New York!" would be huge news for many reasons, and the expectations on the Knicks would be astronomical.

He'd be seen as The Savior of The Franchise. Living up to the label might be impossible, but if anyone could do it...

Why not Carmelo Anthony?

1. New York Championship

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: The Los Angeles Lakers hold up the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expres

Not all championships are created equal. Winning one in New York, the "Mecca" of basketball, would be an incredible feat.

Believe it or not, the Knicks have just two NBA championships, and have fallen short time and time again.

If Carmelo Anthony arrived in New York and carried the Knicks to a third title, he'd be considered an all-time legendary player. Winning a championship in New York skyrockets a players' historical stock, whether he deserves it or not.

It would do wonders for Carmelo's legacy.