The New York Knicks Should Trade Carmelo Anthony
That doesn’t necessarily mean that he will leave the New York Knicks, but it does mean that there is a possibility that Anthony could leave. With all of the constant opt out talk, high player salary, and lack of big game performances from Anthony, it’s time for the Knicks to re-build. The biggest thing they can do by rebuilding and heading in a new direction is trading their “franchise player” Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony has got everything he ever wanted, and then more. Amare Stoudemire was a Knick before Anthony and the Knicks were pretty good, but then came Anthony, and then came the losses. It’s become obvious that Anthony and Stoudemire can’t co-exist on the court. Then came “Linsanity” with Jeremy Lin when Anthony was injured. Jeremy Lin lit up Madison Square Garden game after game, but it was reported by many that Anthony was “jealous” of Lin’s new potential contract. [2]
So there it is. Anthony doesn’t play well with Amare Stoudemire or Jeremy Lin, who both led the Knicks to winning records in a short period. Anthony’s loves playing in the big apple, but that isn’t a big enough reason to keep him.
It’s not even just getting along with teammates or contracts, but Anthony just hasn’t lived up to the hype since being drafted. His defense and passing skills are still below average and his playoff resume isn’t exactly top notch. In 10 NBA seasons Anthony has only won three career playoff series. Just a reminder, you must win four in one postseason to win the championship.
The Knicks haven’t won an NBA Championship since 1973 and unfortunately Anthony isn’t the answer to end that notorious streak.
The NBA trade deadline is February 20, 2014. Odds are the Knicks will not make a move and neither will Anthony after the season because he can make more money with the Knicks and he loves playing in New York City. If Anthony stays it will just be more of the same average basketball and if Anthony leaves the Knicks will get no value for him. If the Knicks at least trade Anthony they can get value and build for the future.
References
1. Anthony opt out. Newday.com
2. Carmelo jealous of Lin. Businessinsider.com
