The New York Knicks have dealt with a lot of problems this year and they are undoubtedly one of the least functional franchises in the entire NBA. There are problems with team owner, general manager and players, and something has to change very soon for the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony, the best player on the Knicks, is not wanted in New York anymore, and team's front office is doing their best to get rid of him.
"We have not been able to win with him on the court at this time and I think the direction with our team is that he is a player that would be better off somewhere else and using his talent somewhere he can win or chase that championship," Phil Jackson, team president, commented recently about Carmelo Anthony.
Jackson is daring Anthony to leave, and the 10-time All-Star would be smart to do so.
Because of all the issues, Anthony will join another team as he has no reason to be a superstar for the team that doesn't want him. There are a lot of options for Carmelo as he is still a great player who has a few more good years left in him. With a proper system and a functional team, he could become a lethal scorer once again, and help his team win.
Carmelo Anthony could join the Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony was drafted in 2003, just like LeBron James, but their careers haven't been similar. James won three NBA championships and made it to the NBA finals seven times, while Anthony's biggest success in the postseason was reaching conference finals.
Since he joined the Knicks, he's been even worse as New York turned into one of the worst teams in the NBA, and they just had fourth straight losing season. LeBron and Carmelo are very good friends and they could only benefit from sharing the same floor.
With the way Carmelo Anthony's career has gone so far, there is no doubt that he would be willing to play a smaller role on the team in order to win a championship.
The Cavaliers made two straight NBA finals and they will most likely stay competitive for many more years to come. Anthony has played 14 years in the NBA and he still hasn't won a championship ring. The Cavaliers could turn him into a champion, while he could help the team fight for more titles in the upcoming years.
Will Anthony come to Miami?
The Miami Heat have shown their competitiveness this season, as they refused to lose on purpose despite starting the season with an 11-30 record. The Heat had turned things around, finishing the season at .500 and showing the entire world that playing hard and refusing to give up actually pays off. Miami has always been one of the top free agent destinations, and thanks to their success this season, they will attract even more superstars in the free agency. Would Carmelo Anthony be willing to join them?
The Heat are expected to waive Chris Bosh this summer and clear over $25 million off their cap space with this move. Anthony's contract for the next year is worth $26.2 million, and Miami would be able to afford him.
Considering that the Knicks are rebuilding, they would gladly clear all that money off their books in order to sign other free agents. If the Heat make this move, it would most likely mean they will not re-sign James Johnson and Dion Waiters, but Carmelo Anthony might be worth it.
James Johnson had a great transformation in Miami and he turned into one of the best bench players in the entire league. He was motivated to lose weight and work hard on his game, which is the same thing Anthony could do. Carmelo could be next big free agent signing for Pat Riley, and he would turn the Miami Heat into one of the best teams in the East.
Carmelo will not stay in New York
Carmelo Anthony has two more years left on his contract and he will not stay in New York until his contract is over.
He holds his destiny in his own hands, however, as he has a no-trade clause on his contract and can reject any trade offer the Knicks get for him. This means that he could go to Cleveland, sign with the Heat, or go anywhere else, as long as he wants it.
Anthony will turn 35 in two years and his career could be over by then. If he doesn't make a move, he could end up as one of the best players in the NBA history to never win a championship ring. It is time for him to move on and leave the Knicks in the past, just like they want him to do. For Carmelo, there is no point in staying in New York, and he will have to go to another team to pursue success and a championship.
