The Knicks have, at least for now, pulled Carmelo Anthony from the trading block and are not actively shopping their All-Star scorer. If the Knicks really wanted to trade Anthony, the team could have sent him to the Rockets if taking Ryan Anderson‘s contract in return was not a hurdle. As Frank Isola of the New York Daily News writes, dealing Anthony for a player who does less on the court and guaranteed more money the next three years is not a wise move.
Anthony, 33, has two years, $54MM left on his deal whereas Anderson, 29, has three years, $61MM left. Reports have suggested the Knicks are seeking a third, possibly fourth, team to complete a deal. After naming Steve Mills president and acquiring Scott Perry from the Kings to be the team’s new general manager, it’s clear that New York is going in a new direction. Owner James Dolan said as much in a statement regarding the team’s new hire.
“Today marks a culture change for our organization where we reestablish the pride, work ethic and responsibility that comes with playing for the Knicks and representing New York,” Dolan said (via ESPN). “I’m confident that Steve is the right person to take on this role, and ensure that we return to one of the elite teams of the NBA. He’s got an ambitious plan that centers on building a young team focused on player development, communication and teamwork.”
The Knicks still have an abundance of options with Anthony: They can hold onto Anthony and hope he plays well and trade him midseason if the team is out of contention; keep pursuing trades until the team finds a good fit; and, less ideally, buyout Anthony for cap relief. It’s a complicated situation for all and Anthony, with his no-trade clause and trade kicker, has all the power.
Here are additional notes around the Atlantic Division:
- The Nets have 10 guards in their organization and acquiring additional size this offseason remains a priority, per Fred Kerber of the New York Post. Kerber mentions Shabazz Muhammad and JaMychal Green as possible targets for Brooklyn as the team continues its search for upgrades in the frontcourt.
- One of the newest Nets, DeMarre Carroll, tells Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun that he expected a trade this offseason. In the candid interview, Caroll discussed why he did not fit into the Raptors’ offense the way he imagined and why it became frustrating playing for the team.
What a joke. Complete circus with this Melo trade stuff. I am becoming sickened by the whole situation. That guys gotta be more irritated about the situation then we are about hearing it since he’s living through it. If I was him at this point I’d just demand a trade.
Stay w/ porzingis. Stay away from Houston and Cleveland. HaHa
Carroll is going to help the Nets out alot defensively.
Maybe ATL 2014-15 Carroll, but not the dude who has been playing for Toronto the past 2 years. Not really going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing they only traded for him for the 1st rounder
After hearing so much about the gap in talent between the East and West conferences and the league looking into ways to fix it, I don’t see Melo going to Houston. If he gets traded, it will be to Cleveland.
What pride?
knicks shouldn’t trade melo if they have to eat andersons contract to do it. no point
I agree. The Rockets should have been pushing Eric Gordon + Trevor Ariza instead of Anderson. It wouldn’t hurt the Rockets much and would give the Knicks a more acceptable package.
The power the Knicks have with Carmelo is that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. If he wants a ring he needs to move on.