NBA trade deadline
Crossed Up: NY Knicks Miss Opportunity at Trade Deadline
Once again the New York Knicks continued to prove that they are one of the most incompetent front offices in major sports. Instead of trying to move aging star Carmelo Anthony to create cap space or pick up draft picks for future talent, New York has once again become disillusioned with reality.
The Knicks continue to build around Melo, when they should build around Porzingis
The Knicks still believe that they can build a contender around Melo. Despite not having cap space, talent, a proven track record, and of course aging Anthony. At 31, Melo is coming to the end of his prime in the NBA. He’s been in the league for 14 seasons, that wear and tear is going to catch up with the all-star sooner rather then later. Look, I’m not saying the Knicks would have gotten a big haul for Melo, but they could have created cap space and gotten some pieces to put around Kristaps Porzingis.
One of the major issues is that the Knicks still dream that Melo can bring them a championship. Uuuhhhh no, that is not going to happen. In case you missed it Anthony has only made it to the second round of the playoffs twice in 13 seasons. The best case scenario is that over the next three seasons the Knicks will make the playoffs as a low seed, only to get obliterated in the first round.
New York is building around a star, it’s just not the right one.
Just to clarify. I AM NOT SAYING THE KNICKS SHOULD TANK! Thye have a young emerging big man that can shoot and if they draft well could be a very competitive team in a few seasons. Realistically, can you see Melo and Zingis taking on the Cavaliers for the next three seasons? The problem is the Knicks are building around the wrong star. They had the steal of the 2015 Draft in Porzingis and they’re not going anywhere fast. Why not wait to build a solid core for the future instead of chasing the impossible dream that Melo will hold the NBA Championship in the Canyon of Heroes?
Could the Knicks move Melo this summer? It’s possible, but Anthony’s max contract coupled with team’s shedding cap space for free agency doesn’t bode well for New York. And for Knick fans who think that Kevin Durant will be playing in the Garden next year, it’s not happening. New York has only $19 Million in cap space this offseason and will not entice Durant with a contract, and certainly won’t with the current roster make up.
Let’s face the facts. New York is an aging, overpaid, and underwhelming basketball team. Phil Jackson will have a huge test this offseason with the lack of cap room, but with Melo still on the team, it’s just prolonging the chance for a NBA Championship contender to play at the Garden.
Sad Melody: Why the Knicks need to trade Anthony
After another year of frustration, it’s time for a change in New York
Trade Carmelo Anthony! These three words will ignite anger within an already frustrated fan base, and rightfully so. Trading the biggest star the Knicks have had since Patrick Ewing may seem blasphemous, even crazy, but it needs to be done. While the Knickerbockers star is still in the prime of his career and having one of his best seasons ever, the harsh reality is that this is the perfect time to break down this lackluster basketball team.
If the NBA has taught us anything this past decade, it’s that you can no longer win with just one star player on your basketball team. Look at all the last 10 champions, they’ve had at least two usually three superstar players.
Melo’s frustration in New York might make him go somewhere else this summer
The league is changing. Unless you are one of the few elite teams in the league, you just mill around in mediocrity. Let’s face it. Even when this team played well the previous two seasons, they weren’t serious title contenders. Sure they might win a round in the playoffs, but this is New York, that doesn’t cut it. With Carmelo in his prime, and a stocked Draft class coming up, the Knicks should try to make a deal.
Am I saying the Knicks have to trade Melo? No, but if a team gives them a good deal with either draft picks or young talent, the Knicks would be foolish to pass it up. Let’s face it, the Knicks are nowhere near contending for an NBA title and need to reload. If anything shouldn’t the Knicks get some value before Melo leaves? As an unrestricted free agent this summer, there is a good chance Melo will leave. He’s already hinted that he will test free agency and there will be more attractive offers and situations out there for him. If LA calls, why wouldn’t Melo go? Instead of losing him and not getting anything in return, the Knicks need to maximize this opportunity and restart the rebuilding process. Knicks fans may not want to hear it, but it needs to be done.
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