It would be hard to make a case for a more disappointing NBA team than the New York Knicks. All of the optimism that accrued with the arrival of Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher, and a refreshing outlook on the future has evaporated following a 5-22 start to the season.
Even though Carmelo Anthony said a recent report that indicated he would waive his no-trade clause to be moved somewhere else as “erroneous and false,” the fact that his name is being thrown around in trade rumors is an obvious illustration of how bad things have gotten in New York. Anthony may or may not be willing to move his no-trade clause but at this point, it’s still fun to discuss three possible landing spots for the superstar forward should both he and the team decide a trade is the best possible outcome for both sides.
Detroit Pistons
It has to be embarrassing for the Knicks and their fans to look up in the standings and see the Detroit Pistons among the teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. Detroit has been a mess despite the arrival of Stan Van Gundy but they still have two games in hand on New York with both teams at five wins.
The best decision for both franchises could be a trade that gives both teams a makeover. That would include Anthony being moved to Detroit for a package focused around big man Greg Monroe, who has long been reported to be on his way out in Detroit. The Pistons could also offer up some other pieces like forward Josh Smith and point guard D.J. Augustin.
The Knicks would get a solid big man who that can use as a foundational piece while the Pistons can add some star power to the roster. An Anthony-Andre Drummond pairing should get the Pistons to the playoffs. This deal seems to make enough sense for both sides.
Phoenix Suns
Another team that would potentially be an excellent trade partner for New York in a potential deal for Anthony would be the Phoenix Suns. They aren’t far away from being a legitimate contender in the Western Conference and adding Anthony to the mix would be a scary thought. The Suns are a fast team that has plenty of talent and depth, but lack the one superstar player that can make the difference in clutch situations with the game on the line. Anthony would give them credibility.
As for Carmelo himself, the lack of media scrutiny might be welcomed while the Knicks could acquire some combination involving Alex Len, P.J. Tucker, Gerald Green and draft picks. New York might want more in return for their superstar trade asset but the chance to start over fresh could be the biggest factor with the chance to add high picks in a potential trade with Phoenix.
Memphis Grizzlies
One more team that would be among the top trade destinations for Anthony is the Memphis Grizzlies. They have an excellent roster led by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph yet still lack that superstar talent that can help them win big games come playoff time. Anthony would be the perfect fit for the Grizzlies but whether or not they have enough to offer back in return is another question entirely.
Memphis won’t want to move its quality starters, but if there was a way to move players off their bench as well as one or two first round picks, it might be enough to make it work. Carmelo may or may not be willing to waive his no-trade clause and the Grizzlies may or may not have the tools to manufacture a deal, but the destination makes sense. The Grizzlies should be in the running for a championship this season and it’s impossible to argue that Memphis would not be an excellent fit for both sides as a possible landing spot for Anthony this season.
