The New York Knicks had a good start to the season and had a boost with the surprise emergence of Kristaps Porzingis.
However, as he season wore on, there major problems started to unravel and now they will probably miss the playoffs again.
In a Zach Lowe podcast on ESPN Radio, both Lowe and guest, ESPN NBA analyst Kevin Arnovitz both predicted that Carmelo Anthony would be traded by the Knicks. Arnovitz even used the word "inevitable."
While both writers are aware that Anthony does have a no-trade clause and cannot be traded without his approval, the "writing is on the wall" and both the Knicks and Melo himself don't stand to gain anything if they continue on this path.
On the other hand, if they the Knicks make a trade, they can get some considerable value, and for Anthony, he will get the chance to make the playoffs. He has done that in every season since prior to his trade to New York. Now, he stands to miss the postseason for the third straight year. Not a good way to spend your peak basketball years.
According to the NY Post, they could get some value if they trade him at the offseason.
"There's always a market," one GM said. "Some people will give something but don't get excited for like what Denver got going the other way. Realistically, I wouldn't say a young stud but maybe a solid player and a pick. I could see a good team doing that for Carmelo. A bad team won't want to part with a high lottery pick."
There are notable limitations due to age and injury history, but the Knicks could benefit as there are still teams who need a go-to scorer like Melo.
"The take wouldn't be as strong because of the knee and his problems the last couple years because of it," he said. "Listen, the guy is a prolific scorer. Elite. Do not question that. A team in the hunt would definitely want a guy like that."
The playoffs could provide a clearer picture. Teams which suffer from lack of offensive options in crunch time will see Anthony, a reliable playoff performer, as as a player they would need.
