On June 10, 1982, The Clash released a song called “Should I stay or should I go?” This phrase must be what New York Knicks President Phil Jackson says on a daily basis about Carmelo Anthony. In 6 years playing for New York, Anthony has had 6 coaches and the Knicks have missed the playoffs for three years in a row. I thought Melo would have left last year to sign a long-term deal with a team that is a legitimate contender, but instead he stayed with New York.
The Knicks as an organization have said publicly numerous times that Carmelo Anthony is a big part of their future. However, there are rumors that Phil wants to move off the former Syracuse star and go in a different direction. If I were the Knicks, I would do everything in my power to trade the 9x NBA All-Star. Over the next three seasons he will be paid, $24, $26 and $27 million. Other than the money, I have no idea what is so attractive about playing for the Knicks. The team has no draft picks this season and are far from being a “hot bed” for free agents. Since 2000, they have won just a single playoff series.
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Anthony has a no-trade clause, so a third team would have to be involved somehow to complete a deal. When the Knicks acquired Melo (2010-11 season) they gave up Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov and the 12th pick in the 2014 draft. Basically, they gave away a plethora of young talent and a first round pick.
Anthony is 32-years-old and coming off the most complete season he has had playing for New York. In 72 games, he averaged 21 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. But like most aging players, he isn’t going to get better. The time to trade him is now, and start building the team around 20-year-old Kristaps Porzingis. Considering new coach Jeff Hornacek wants to play an up-tempo style and Melo wants to play in the half court, they won’t be a good mix.
We have seen aging players in almost every sport “outstay” their welcome. (David Wright and Alex Rodriguez have been fighting injuries for the past few years.) I admire Melo for wanting to stay in New York, but if he couldn’t get his team to an NBA Finals in his prime five years ago, how is he going to do it now? The Knicks should move him this off-season so they can get quality players in return. As long as Anthony is the number one option on offense, the Knicks will never win a championship.
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