Evaluating a Carmelo Anthony trade to the Rockets
Carmelo Anthony Knicks. Digital image. Heat Hoops. N.p., 30 Jan. 2017. Web. 13 July 2017.
The NBA is exploding with trade rumors about a possible reunion between current Knicks F Carmelo Anthony and former Knicks' coach Mike D'Antoni, who is now the head coach of the Rockets. Personally, as a Rockets' fan, I have been extremely anxious about a move involving Carmelo Anthony. It seems that everyday, the Rockets are inching closer and closer to creating a modern dream team, with James Harden, recently acquired Chris Paul, and possibly Carmelo Anthony. If this were to happen, the Rockets would have a major chance to possibly dethrone the Warriors' as the intimidating kings of the NBA.
To give you some background information, Carmelo Anthony is an All-Star forward that plays for the disappointing New York Knicks, who haven't made the playoffs since 2013, and have had losing seasons ever since. Additionally, despite playing for a bad team, his off-court issues has antagonized his mien. For example, Anthony has been a major character that wreaked havoc in the Knicks' front office. His off- court issues have often shadowed his success as a excellent and talented forward that will be able to propel any team that he plays for. This 14-year veteran signed a 5 year, $124 million contract in 2014. He currently has 2 years left in his contract. Other details in his contract include that he has a no-trade clause. This, although, is not deterring neither the Knicks nor the Rockets from completing a blockbuster trade that would result Anthony in waiving that particular clause. With this trade, the Rockets' are hoping to complete their second blockbuster trade in this exciting free agency period. On the other hand, the Knicks are just trying to find out what their goal is as they don't have a clear short-term or long-term goal planned out. The Knicks hope that if they complete this deal, they will be able to rebuild and start over, like what the Philadelphia 76ers have done. "The Process (NY Edition)" looks bleakly parallel to the 76ers rebuild process. The Knicks have selected their two building blocks, 21-year old, Kristaps Porzingis and the French rookie, Frank Ntilikina.
Rockets:
Positives
There are some many reasons why this trade is so attractive for the Rockets. First and foremost, if the Rockets are able to pull Carmelo from the Knicks, Houston's major void at small forward would be filled. This position is currently filled by Trevor Ariza, an unreliable, mediocre player that is not nearly as aggressive and talented as Carmelo Anthony. If this deal falls through, not only will the Rockets have the best backcourt in the league, but will likely have a very intimidating frontcourt. With Clint Capela and Carmelo Anthony working together to guard the rim, we can see the Rockets as gargantuan contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy and overtaking the Warriors can transform from a dream to a reality for the Rockets. Not only can Carmelo fill the void at small forward, but Carmelo will be able to bond and create great and unbreakable relationships more easily with his teammates. Firstly, Carmelo and Chris Paul make up half of the infamous "Banana Boat Crew". This means that Paul and Anthony already are best friends. Additionally, James Harden, reportedly, recruited Anthony and persuaded him to waive his no trade clause, in order to get traded to the Rockets. Already friends with the 2 stars on the team, it would be no problem for Carmelo to bond more with the rest of the team. This just adds up to show that, if Carmelo got traded to the Rockets, Houston would have great chemistry, which is one of the most, if not THE, most important quality that a team needs in order to succeed and work with each other with positive results.
Negatives
The only reason why the Rockets might frown upon this trade is the awkward conundrum that would exist between Carmelo Anthony and Mike D'Antoni, if Anthony joins the Rockets. The primary reason why D'Antoni left the Knicks in 2012 was because of frequent arguments with Carmelo Anthony. Although Carmelo would fit right in with D'Antoni's offense, as Mike led the Knicks to 2 playoffs in his 4-year tenure with the Knicks, neither Carmelo not Mike D'Antoni are on good terms with each other. This is a detail that is often overlooked by Rockets fans. Fans tend to overlook the miserable drama that surrounded the Knicks when the arguments between Carmelo and Mike D'Antoni led to D'Antoni's resignation as head coach of the Knicks. If the Rockets land Carmelo Anthony, I am sure that D'Antoni and Anthony will be willing to put the past behind and start over.
If this trade goes through and a better relationship between Mike D'Antoni and Carmelo Anthony is possible, it would be absolutely surreal watching Carmelo, Harden, and Paul take over the floor, all at once! The Rockets' will surely be elevated as real NBA contenders if Carmelo arrives in Houston What more could the Rockets ask for?