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We are only one day into 2015 NBA free agency, and it’s already painfully obvious that nobody wants join Carmelo Anthony and play for the New York Knicks. Not even the great Phil Jackson appears to possess enough clout to lure even above-average free agents to the Big Apple, let alone any stars.
Considering the Knicks roster still lacks most of the pieces it needs in order to become respectable again, it’s evident Anthony must be traded so the franchise can start from scratch. At this point, it’s fair to assume Anthony realizes he made a mistake in re-signing with the Knicks considering he had an offer on the table from the Chicago Bulls in 2014.
Carmelo Anthony, thinking back on that 2014 offer from the Chicago Bulls… pic.twitter.com/tQkDgS5yGd
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) July 1, 2015
Anthony is now 31 years old, which means at minimum, he’ll be 33 before this team could even be a third or fourth seed in an improving Eastern Conference. Now that Kevin Love‘s re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for any team in the conference to supplant Cleveland as favorites to make the NBA finals going forward. Thus, Jackson could bring in two or three solid free agents over the next few seasons, and the Knicks would still have an uphill battle.
There are plenty of teams in the NBA, however, that Anthony could help tremendously during the same time frame. The New Orleans Pelicans have a plethora of young talent on their roster led by Anthony Davis, but they’re at least one grizzled veteran, and one dominant scorer away from truly making noise in an uber-competitive Western Conference.
Anthony would fill both of those needs.
Obviously, there are plenty of other teams that have been on the precipice of a title in recent years that Anthony could put over the hump. Names like the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies come to mind initially as franchises that could easily win a ring if they were able to acquire Anthony.
The main problem is convincing Knicks owner James Dolan to agree to another rebuild that starts from scratch. It’s likely from a business standpoint, it makes more sense for the Knicks to keep Anthony in town to help keep Madison Square Garden sold out on a regular basis.
Also, at his age and having accomplished so much in basketball, it’s unlikely Jackson wants trading away the Knicks’ only star on his otherwise immaculate resume.
Both sides must realize in their heart of hearts, the marriage is no longer one that can thrive. Hopefully, for once, common sense will triumph over ego and financial concerns, and each party will agree to cut their respective losses.
Timothy Downs is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212.
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