NBA: New York Knicks To Consider Trading Carmelo Anthony Soon?
It was the worst season in franchise history for New York Knicks last season, winning only 17 games. Knicks president Phil Jackson has made some improvements on the roster, drafting Kristaps PorziÅÄ£is and Jerian Grant. According to nd NBA.com, the Knicks also signed Arron Afflalo, Robin Lopez, Kyle O'Quinn and Derrick Williams.
It adds to the positive news for Knicks fans, especially that their superstar scorer and franchise player Carmelo Anthony is healthy and ready for next season. "Melo" did not play after the All-Star break because he underwent a left knee surgery to relieve the pain that he was dealing for more than a year, as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
But in a report by Zach Lowe of Grantland, the Knicks are not ready to have trade talks for Anthony, but "they're getting there." He said that the Phoenix Suns are a possible destination as they can include disgruntled forward Markieff Morris in a trade package for Carmelo Anthony.
According to CBS Sports, the Knicks absolutely won't trade Anthony for now. Also, Carmelo has a no-trade clause, which means that he can choose the team he can be traded, mostly based if he thinks that team is a possible championship contender. At 31 years old, winning a championship tops Anthony's to-do list.
The 2013 scoring champion signed a five-year, $129-million contract last season after going through free agency, as reported by ESPN. Anthony was pursued by different teams including the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
"I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world," Anthony said after signing his contract last season via NBA.com.
CBS Sports also said that for the trade to happen, Jackson and general manager Steve Mills must at least talk about it, and, according to sources, no talks have been held yet. In the announcement of Anthony re-signing with the Knicks last season, Jackson said the he intends to build around the eight-time all-star.
"After three months of questions around Carmelo Anthony's return to the New York Knicks, we are now happy to know that we have the cornerstone of what we envision as a 'team of excellence.' Steve Mills and I have assured Carmelo through our conversations, that we share the vision and the determination to build this team," Jackson said per NBA.com.
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