We all witnessed LeBron James spurn the Cleveland Cavaliers in favor of the Miami Heat this Summer. We also watched Amare Stoudemire leave the Phoenix Suns, the only team he had ever played with in the NBA, for the New York Knicks.
After these two moves seemed to lead the headlines during the NBA offseason, Carmelo Anthony quietly sat in the shadows, waiting to make the same kind of ripple effect throughout the league.
According to sources, trade talks are starting to heat up, as there are rumors of a three-team deal being negotiated. Denver doesn't have a ton of room to work with because 'Melo has made it clear that it is the Knicks or nobody.
Not only will this trade blow up the headlines, it will create another power shift in the Eastern Conference; that is, if it happens.
After an early struggle, Miami has started playing team oriented basketball, which will make them especially dangerous as time passes. Boston's veterans have held up, allowing them to achieve the best record in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta, Orlando, and Chicago are all playing very well, standing only a few games out of the conference lead.
Without Carmelo, the Knicks are still looking at a a playoff spot. With him, they would have a fighting chance of being the best team in the Eastern Conference. Amare Stoudemire has put the Knicks on his back this season. With a player like Carmelo, the Knicks would be exhibiting serious talent every time they stepped out onto the court.
With a record of 25-24, the Knicks are currently the sixth best team in the Eastern Conference. Amare Stoudemire has been the go-to guy all season for New York, however, without another consistent presence like Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks will be forced to ride a one-car train into the playoffs.
That's not to say that the Knicks don't have talent outside of Stoudemire. Danilo Gallinari has shown that he can put up numbers, averaging just over 16 points per game. Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler are also getting it done this season.
Even with those four players averaging 76 points per game collectively, production from the fifth man and on is lacking. Imagine if Carmelo was part of a starting lineup featuring Amare Stoudemire, Raymon Felton, and Danilo Gallinari. That would be an electrifying group of players that is hard for any team to match up against.
There are some that would be against a trade like this happening. However, given that sentiment, think of how this would benefit the NBA as a whole. Not only will it provide fans with excitement, it will make the Eastern Conference even more competitive.
Not to say that this trade is final, but considering the rumors, it would make sense in so many ways. The Nuggets would be getting rid of a disgruntled player, while the Knicks would be acquiring a player who is eager to play for them.
The Nuggets may be losing a great player in Carmelo Anthony, but they are also losing the baggage that he carries with him everywhere he goes. New York Seems to be the perfect fit for Anthony, and vice-versa.
If a trade does occur, it would have to happen before the February 24th trade deadline.
Leave a Comment