With the trade deadline looming, it's only fair to question what will happen to New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. A trade between the Pelicans and Kings for superstar DeMarcus Cousins prompts the question: What would Carmelo Anthony be worth on the open market?
Details of DeMarcus Trade.
The Kings traded away DeMarcus Cousins for a 2017 first round and 2017 second round pick. The Pelicans also sent Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, and Langston Galloway to the Kings in exchange for what will now be the best frontcourt in the league with Anthony Davis and Boogie leading the way.
Many have suggested that the Kings were robbed in the deal and that they should have tried to get more for their star player.
Carmelo Anthony Trade?
If the Knicks did trade Carmelo mid-season, what value could they get in return for him? The 32 year old probably doesn't have a lot of time left, but there are definitely some teams out there that could use him in a championship run. The Knicks would likely be willing to part with him for anything involving more than two first round picks and a second round pick. But what do the Knicks really want in a trade?
New York Knicks Current Position.
The Knicks aren't doing well this season and currently sit at 23-34, in 12th place in the East. It's not likely that they'll make the playoffs, so the team is doing what it can to get its young nucleus of core players involved.
Kristaps Porzingis is obviously the future of the team and has already been performing at an all-star level. But should the Knicks be acquiring draft picks or veterans to help the young star?
At this point, it's probably fair to say that the Knicks should not acquire veterans. The price is too great and the Knicks should be looking toward the future.
That means their efforts should be focused on draft picks and not talent that can win now. Any deal involving Carmelo would therefore have to include some draft picks that the Knicks could use in the near future.
For now, Carmelo will do what he can to put the Knicks in the playoffs. But it wouldn't be a huge surprise to anyone if the team did trade him.
