More Melo Drama: Why the Knicks Need To Trade for Carmelo NOW
I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of all this Melo drama, and this is coming from a die-hard Knick fan.
Lately there have been rumors that the Los Angeles Lakers have had discussions with the Nuggets about possibly acquiring Melo. The Lakers would give up Andrew Bynum, and Carmelo would go to the Lakers. Again, this is just a rumor. I'm not sure if it's true, but it's got me worried.
Do we really want to see Carmelo in a Lakers uniform? Absolutely not.
Here are some reasons why the Knicks need to trade for Melo now before another team does.
1. New York Is His No. 1 Choice
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Carmelo Anthony has said several times that his dream is to play in New York. But does that mean that he won't sign an extension with another team?
No, you never know what could happen. Look at the LeBron situation. When the Cavs played their last game last year in the playoffs against the Celtics, everybody immediately thought he was coming to New York. The Knicks had spent a lot of time making cap space for LeBron and look what happened. He joined the Miami Heat.
What if the Knicks decide to wait until the offseason to sign Melo, but he changes his mind and signs with another team?
Here's what happens...the Knicks and their fans are left heartbroken...again. Carmelo's dream is to play in a Knicks uniform; Donnie Walsh needs to make it happen as soon as possible. Not to mention, the Knicks are in a playoff race and they havn't been playing so hot lately.
2. The Nuggets Like the 3-Team Deal That Has Been Reported
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The Knicks have been in talks with the Nuggets and Timberwolves about a possible three-team deal that would send Melo to New York. Here's how the deal would work:
Knicks receive: Carmelo Anthony
Timberwolves receive: Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry
Nuggets receive: Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler and the T-Wolves first-round pick
It appears the Timberwolves are keeping this deal from happening because they want a little more in return than basically just Randolph. Eddy Curry is a free agent next year and will most likely not go back to Minnesota. The Knicks need to do whatever they have to do in order to get this deal done because this deal benefits the Knicks the most out of the three teams. We wouldn't have to give up Gallinari or Fields. We would basically just give up Chandler because Randolph and Curry never see the floor.
Here's a few options that the Knicks could do to convince the Timberwolves to make this deal happen:
-Send Toney Douglas to the Wolves along with Randolph and Curry
-Give the Wolves their second-round pick for this year coming up
-Give the Wolves their 2012 first-round pick
The Knicks need to make this deal happen as soon as possible. The Nuggets have not rejected it.
3. Carmelo and Amar'e Will Provide Championship Hopes for the Next Several Years
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Even if the Knicks are forced to give up two of their starters, whether it's Chandler and Gallo or Chandler and Fields, the Knicks would still have a championship-caliber team with Melo, Stoudamire and Felton (maybe Chris Paul or Dwight Howard in 2012.)
They would be one of the top-four teams in the east along with Miami, Boston and Chicago.
4. If Melo Becomes a Knick, Chris Paul Is Almost Guaranteed To Come with Him
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Last summer, Chris Paul had reportedly told the Hornets that he wants to be traded immediately.
One of the teams that was on his list happened to be the Knicks, actually, it was his preference. Then, when Carmelo got married in New York City, Chris Paul and Amar'e Stoudamire attended the wedding. Supposively, Chris Paul had toasted to Melo and Stoudamire "to the future big three in New York." That says it all.
If Carmelo Anthony becomes a Knick, Chris Paul is almost guaranteed to come also in 2012 or maybe even earlier. The three of them are good friends and would love to team up with each other and form a great New York Knicks team for the next several years.
5. Other Teams with More Talent Have Been Linked to Carmelo
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All I can say is...you never know what could happen in this league. LeBron James pulled the unexpected last summer and joined the Miami Heat. Everyone expected him to come to the Knicks. That didn't work out so well. At least we got Amar'e Stoudamire.
Other teams around the NBA such as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and of course the Los Angeles Lakers have come into the chase for Carmelo. These three teams have a better package to offer Denver than what the Knicks have.
Houston would probably include Shane Battier, Jordan Hill, Aaron Brooks and future draft picks for Melo.
Dallas would probably include Caron Butler, Tyson Chandler and future draft picks for Melo.
Mark Cuban has given hints that he will pursue Melo by the deadline, and he's not afraid to give up important pieces, even if Melo wouldn't sign an extension.
You never know what could happen. Carmelo could start to like the environment and playing in either Houston or Dallas, and that could lead him to signing a big extension leaving the Knicks with no hope.
6. The Knicks Would Become an Elite Franchise Again
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The Knicks had great years in the '90s. They were one of the best teams in basketball, and they were very hard to beat. They had star players like Patrick Ewing and John Starks, who would always sell out Madison Square Garden, and they made New York a basketball city.
Here's why the Knicks need to add Carmelo:
1. He and Amar'e Stoudamire would sell out the Garden every night.
2. Chris Paul would most likely come in 2012.
3. The Knicks wouldn't miss the playoffs for several years.
4. They would be a championship-caliber team every year.
5. The New York Knicks would be back and have years like they did in the '90s.
Hope you guys enjoyed reading and I hope you agree with me.
