Carmelo Anthony Wants to Get Out of New York Knicks 'Rough Patch'; Trade Talks & Rumors Abound
Carmelo Anthony may be hinting at the possibility of leaving New York City as the Knicks are in danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season. The Knicks are currently at the 13th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 26-38.
However, it's not a lost season just yet because they are just six and a half games behind the eighth and final playoff spot. Anthony was previously haunted by trade rumors at the February deadline with Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics reportedly having interest.
Since having a 20-20 record on Jan. 12, the Knicks have gone to a rough stretch, winning only six out of the last 24 games. Anthony, who is a nine-time NBA All-Star, signed a five-year, $129 million deal in 2014 to stay in New York.
Getting Out of a 'Rough Patch'
The 31-year-old basketball star was asked by Frank Isola if he feels envious of his peers' success. He was talking about LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who won two championships together, and Chris Paul, who's part of a perennial contender.
"I don't think envy is kind of the right word. I do look at my peers and say, 'Damn, what am I doing wrong? I should be there.' There was one point in time where they were looking at me like that. Made the playoffs 10, 11 years straight," Anthony said.
Prior to their recent struggles, the Knicks were playing surprisingly well this season with the help of Anthony and rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis. Nevertheless, with the chances of making the playoffs slipping away, the Knicks forward has expressed his desire to get out of his "rough patch."
"Right now it's kind of a rough patch for me. I'm trying to figure out a way to get out of it," he said. The two-time Olympic gold medalist can waive his no-trade clause next summer, wherein he could end up playing with a contender.
Carmelo's Value
A trade is the only possible answer for both the Knicks and Anthony's woes. The Knicks can finally rebuild around a young superstar in Porzingis while Anthony can end up playing for a contending team.
"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," said one NBA general manager.
He added that Anthony is still an elite scorer and contenders would want someone like that on their team. However, these teams should be worried about the Knicks star's surgically repaired knee.
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