Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: 10 Reasons Knicks' Walsh Shouldn't Pull Trigger
Dear Donnie Walsh,
I'd like to discuss with you the rumored deal that you've have been trying to make for Carmelo Anthony.
I know you want Anthony on your team. Why wouldn't you? He's one of the best scorers in the game today. As General Manager, it's your job to get the best players possible on the New York Knicks' roster to make playoff runs and hopefully win a championship.
But, Mr. Walsh, I wouldn't make a trade for Anthony before the Feb. 24 trade deadline if I were. I don't think it's worth it right now.
Here are 10 reasons why you should not make the deal for Anthony.
Thank me later.
Jon
10. The Nets Won't Get Anthony Long Term
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The New Jersey Nets are supposedly back in talks with Denver for Anthony. But it wasn't a matter of finding the right deal the last time the two sides were talking.
They just about had that ironed out except that they never heard from Anthony that he would sign an extension, which was the only way that the Nets would pull the trigger.
Even if the Nets acquire him now, Anthony likely won't sign an extension with the Nets, making him available in free agency anyway.
9. Chauncey Billups Is Slowing Down
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Chauncey Billups is 34-years-old, in the 14th season of his career and making $13 million. Why would New York want to take him on now?
Billups' minutes are the lowest they've been since 2007-08 and his assists are the lowest they've been since 2000-01.
His playing appears to be going downhill. It has to be wondered how many good years he has left. How would he do running Mike D'Antoni's offense?
8. Are You Sure 'Melo Is The Right Player For The Knicks?
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Mr. Walsh,
You brought in Mike D'Antoni and his run-and-gun offense. You brought in Amar'e Stoudemire, who has played his whole career in that offense. What makes you so sure that Anthony would fit in it?
The offense in Denver runs through Anthony. It doesn't run through a point guard as heavily as New York's does. What if the ball stops with Anthony? What if Stoudemire and Anthony quarrel over touches?
I'd stop and think about what you'd be getting exactly with Anthony before making a deal.
7. Caron Butler Will Be a Free Agent This Summer
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Caron Butler is no Carmelo Anthony. But there is a positive side to that. He doesn't expect a team to treat him like a super star yet he can provide all-star play.
Butler will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and will be cheaper and possibly easier to integrate into the team than Anthony.
It would leave room to make other moves. Anthony alone doesn't make New York a top-tier championship contender. But Anthony might be the only move New York could afford to make.
6. Danilo Galinari Has Show Real Promise
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Donnie,
Denver wants Danilo Gallinari if from the Knicks if they are to send you Anthony. You spent the sixth overall pick in 2008 on this kid and he's starting to look deserving of it. Why trade him now?
Gallinari is averaging 15.9 points per game. He may not be an all-star in this league, but he's the type of talented player that can make a difference when surrounded with the right pieces. If you've already got a solid player at small forward, why not focus on other needs?
Or try to keep him and bring him off the bench as one of the most talented sixth-men in the league?
5. Hold on To Those Draft Picks!
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The key letter in the trade rumors is 's,'. as in draft picks, not draft pick. How many picks exactly is it going to take for New York to obtain 'Melo?
Denver is asking for a lot. If it's more than one first-round pick then the price is too steep.
Draft picks are valuable in terms of both future players and making future moves. Trade away your best picks over the next two seasons and you lose a ton of leverage in future trade markets.
4. Post Defense Is a Bigger Need
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Don, my man,
Look at the true championship contenders. I see them as Boston and the Lakers. What do they have in common? They have size and a lot of it.
Right now, you have Amar'e Stoudemire and youngster Timofey Mozgov. Ronny Turiaf is decent at times but he's a free agent after this season.
You're Knicks don't need a small forward as much as they need a center or a power forward, preferably one that can provide a defensive presence. If I were you, I'd start bugging Sacramento about DeMarcus Cousins. They would love Eddy Curry's expiring contract.
3. Keep Your Hands on Timofey Mozgov
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As previously stated, this league is won with seven-footers. You've got a young one in Timofey Mozgov. Rumor had it that Denver wanted him. Tell them no.
He showed you what he's capable of Jan. 30 when he scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Keep him alongside Stoudemire.
Lose Mozgov in the trade and Ronny Turiaf to free agency and suddenly the front court is stupidly thin.
2. Raymond Felton Is Too Good to Give Up
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Raymond Felton is playing at a near all-star level. I don't see the point in shipping out a player that is just now getting the hang of Mike D'Antoni's offense.
I know that Knicks fans are looking ahead to the 2012 free agency period and think that Chris Paul will just fall in your lap. But that's a long way's away to already be banking on it.
Chauncey Billups isn't the long term solution. Keep a hold of Felton and worry about Paul next year.
1. You Can Get 'Melo As a Free Agent
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Mr. Walsh,
Much of what I've pointed out to you previously is predicated on the strong belief that Anthony is going to be there for you this summer. Face it: there isn't a championship on the horizon for the Knicks this season with or without 'Melo. That especially true if it's without Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton.
Be patient. Spend your money but don't spend your players and picks. You know that Carmelo wants to end up playing at Madison Square Garden anyway. Just let it happen naturally.
