In the first blockbuster trade of the NBA season the New York Knicks have traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks. While both teams have seemingly benefitted with the Mavericks getting a potential star and the Knicks getting cap space and draft picks, this trade also means something else. It could be the start of teams aggressively tanking to get a higher draft pick. I break down the trade, the Knicks plan going forward, and why tanking is bad for the NBA.
New york Knicks
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.
Kingdom Lease? Lebron James not Staying In Cleveland for Long Haul?
It’s official. In storybook fashion Lebron James, the king, has returned to the kingdom he left behind four years ago. While Clevelanders welcome back James with aspirations that he will finally bring a championship to the city of Cleveland for the first time in over 60 years there is a sign that this fantasy may not last too long.
Lebron James is returning to Cleveland to try to bring a championship to his home city but doesn’t have a long-term commitment to the city. His new contract with the Cavaliers is 42.1 million over two seasons. The length of this contract brings up an interesting point. Is Lebron looking to win and run?
Cleveland Time Share?
Listen Cleveland, it’s great that Lebron is back but his lack of commitment to a long-term deal proves that he will be weighing his options once again in two years. My prediction? Lebron is hoping he can win a title in two years, get the title monkey off his back in his hometown, and then see if there is a better team outside of Cleveland after two years.
See if Lebron really wanted to win multiple titles for Cleveland he would have signed a longer deal. He’s basically saying Cleveland I want to date you, but don’t want to marry you. If James can bring a title home, it will help his national image that he deserted his former team. Plus if he wins a title in Cleveland, can they really be upset? They will finally have the championship they covet so much and Lebron has given it to them. Why would Lebron only sign a two-year deal? I think he has his eye on one team in particular and is waiting to see what they do.
Lebron James is one of the biggest brands in sports. So why not go to the media capital of the world? With Carmelo Anthony returning to the Knicks the dream of Lebron to play with Melo could happen in two years. James maybe waiting to see what Phil Jackson does as a general manager and how the Knicks will handle next years free agency with the cap space they will have after unloading some of their bad contracts. If the Knicks can get a big piece in free agency next year, say Kevin Love, then it would be very difficult for Lebron to turn down a team with that much talent and in such a big market.
Listen, Cleveland is a young team. It may take a few years until this team is truly a title contender. If the maturation process takes too long Lebron may decide that it is time to go to a team that can win now. If Phil Jackson can build a great team around Carmelo Anthony in New York and Cleveland struggles to bring in other pieces, Lebron may break the heart of northern Ohio once again.
In two years I predict that Lebron James will look to go to New York after two seasons in Cleveland, especially if he can win a title with the Cavaliers. The two-year contract just proves that Lebron will always be looking for the team that he feels will help him win championships.
Chris Bosh Key To NBA Free Agency
The X Factor in NBA Free Agency
Everyone assumes that Lebron James is the one holding up the NBA free agency period. It’s an easy association. He is the best player in the world, and when he makes his free agency decision then the rest of the free agency dominos will fall. There is no question that whatever James decides will create a ripple affect across the NBA, however he may not be the one who has the biggest impact on free agency.
What if I told you that Chris Bosh is the key X factor for NBA free agency? Truth is that his decision would have a greater impact because it impact’s Lebron James’ decision. After opting opt of his contract, the consensus was that the Heat wanted to pay Bosh around 11 million dollars per year, a huge pay cut from last year. Now the Houston Rockets are reportedly offering Bosh a max contract worth reportedly 88 million dollars over four years. If Bosh decides to go to Houston to not only get paid but to also be a member of a title contending team, it would impact the entire league.
Let’s say Bosh goes to Houston. There are even reports that Pat Reiley has been pushing Bosh towards Houston encouraging him to take the money. That would open cap space in Miami for the Heat to get Carmelo Anthony. Lebron has been saying that the dream is to play with Melo and if Bosh leaves that would open up the cap space for Melo to play in South Beach.
That might not be the only scenario. If Lebron feels that Miami has lost too much with the loss of Bosh he may go back to Celeveland or sign a one year dear to see what the market is next year. Don’t forget that Melo may stay in New York for a max deal or that he may want to go to LA. An intriguing possibility is if James takes a one year deal in Miami to see how New York plays out.
While we await the decision of Lebron James, it maybe Chris Bosh’s decision that basketball fans should be paying attention to. This time around it’s Bosh’s decision which could change the NBA.
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.
Rich Sports Talk 