Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Does He Gain More By Playing for Knicks or Nets?
Despite pulling out of trade discussions about a month ago, it looks like the Nets are on the verge of landing Carmelo Anthony. But would New Jersey or New York be the better fit for the star forward?
Each team has their positives and Anthony has already stated that he would rather be in New York, but according to Ric Bucher, he will sign an extension with the Nets, paving the way for the trade to go down.
However, is that the better place between the two options?
Read on to find out and let us know where you think Anthony should end up.
5. Knicks: The Mike D'Antoni System
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All you need to know about Mike D'Antoni's system is that it made Shawn Marion into one of the 15 best players in the league. If it can do that for someone like Marion, just imagine what it could do for Carmelo Anthony.
Sure, Anthony isn't the same athlete as Marion, but he is a better scorer and would reach new heights as a member of the Knicks.
5. Nets: Chauncey Billups
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If the deal with the Nets goes through as is, then Carmelo Anthony will be moving to New Jersey along with Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups. That gives Anthony a solid teammate next to him that he can rely on in big moments.
Sure, New Jersey has a number of guys comparable to Billups, but none that Anthony knows and trusts as much as the current Nuggets point guard.
4. Knicks: Amare Stoudemire
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The biggest selling point on the New York roster for Carmelo Anthony is the fact that Amare Stoudemire is on the roster for the long term.
The Knicks would be a real contender in the East if they could pair Anthony with Stoudemire. That really helps with Anthony's patience with all the speculation. He would be willing to wait for the offseason to get to New York.
4. Nets: Mikhail Prokhorov
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A lot of fanfare was made when Mikhail Prokhorov became the owner of the Nets. It looked like he was getting ready to make a huge impact in New Jersey, but he hasn't lived up to that yet.
If Carmelo Anthony does agree to the extension and goes to New Jersey, he will have an owner chomping at the bit to give the forward whatever he needs to bring a championship to New Jersey.
3. Knicks: Hometown Team
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Carmelo Anthony was born in Brooklyn and he considers New York his hometown. He played his college ball at Syracuse and has already said that he would love to play in New York.
It is always special when a player can play in front of his hometown playing for his favorite childhood team. If Anthony were to land in New York, it would be more memorable for Anthony and for Knicks fans.
3. Nets: Developing
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Comparing the Knicks and Nets rosters shows one real glaring thing. Aside from the talent level, the Knicks have a lot of expiring contracts and players that won't be around next year. However, the Nets have a lot of young talent on the roster.
Put Carmelo on the Nets and they would not be an immediate contender in the East, but there is still a lot of room for development.
2. Knicks: Better Supporting Cast
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Like I said in the last slide, the Nets have a lot of room for progression if Carmelo Anthony is on the roster, but in New York the Knicks have a load of talent that is already developed.
If Anthony wants to make his mark this year instead of building a franchise with the Nets, then New York si easily the better fit.
2. Nets: Face of the RebIrth
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If Carmelo Anthony were to agree to a trade to the Nets, he would not only become the face of the franchise but he would be the face of everything the franchise will transform into over the next few years.
The Nets are moving to Brooklyn in 2012, opening a new arena, and likely re-branding their team. Anthony would be the central figure. Only a few players in history have been fortunate enough to be a part of that.
1. Knicks: No Bigger Stage
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The Knicks are one of the relevant teams in the NBA because of the fact that they are the New York-based franchise. They have not won an NBA championship since 1973, but the constant pressure to win is always hanging over the franchise.
If Carmelo Anthony were to go to the Knicks, there would be no bigger stage for him to succeed on. If he were to lead the Knicks to a championship, he would go down as one of the legends of the game whether he deserves it or not.
1. Nets: Unquestioned Leader
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While I think Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony could form a dynamic tandem in New York, I could also see the two clashing over who is the alpha dog of the team.
If Anthony went to the Nets, he would be the unquestioned leader of the team and have no other player to compete with for shots or the spotlight.
Conclusion: Nets Or Knicks?
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There are obviously positives on each side and it really depends on the temperament of Carmelo Anthony as a person and as a basketball player.
If I were Anthony, I would want to win on the biggest stage for one of the best-known teams, so I would want to be a Knick.
