Trading Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers would ruin the NBA
Feb 19, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Eastern Conference forward LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (23) laughs with Eastern Conference forward Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Should the New York Knicks pull off the Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers deal, the NBA would fall more into the abyss. 

If Phil Jackson trades Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is essentially destroying the NBA. “Super Teams” have ruled the NBA for a while, but adding Melo to the Cavs would bring a new level of control that the NBA has never seen.

Everyone knows how much power the super teams have. The Warriors and Cavaliers are heavy favorites to return to the NBA Finals for a rematch.

This year has featured the Celtics emerging as a true contender. Isaiah Thomas has quickly become the best player to ever be drafted last in the NBA, outscoring all other last picks combined by 1,000 points. Avery Bradley and Al Horford are playing at a high level as well and this has carried the Celtics to just two and a half games out of first in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors are also playing at an extremely high level. DeMar DeRozan is averaging a career high 27.9 points per game while being selected to his third All-Star game in four years. Kyle Lowry is also on pace to set a new career high in points per game with 23.0, which earned him his third All-Star game appearance in as many years. However, the impressive performances so far would fade away if the Cavs acquire Melo.

If LeBron’s team acquires Anthony, it would officially end the race in the Eastern Conference and signify that the NBA is no longer going to bother fighting super teams.

In 2011, the NBA blocked a trade that involved the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Chris Paul. The Lakers were ready to send away Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and a first round pick to the New Orleans Hornets in return for Chris Paul, but former commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade. Everyone thought this trade would prevent super teams from forming in the future. Considering the current state, that certainly seems like a distant memory.

If Melo joins the Cavs and they can find a way to play together, that means you might see Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love on the floor together all at once. Between the four of them, they earned 30 All-Star game appearances. If Phil Jackson does decide to give them Melo, they might as well rename the Eastern Conference All-Star team the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This past offseason, many people were upset because Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder and went to the reigning Western Conference Champions, the Golden State Warriors. However, this is bigger than Durant leaving for the Warriors. Most people would look at the Cavaliers roster and be able to name multiple players that could be called a playmaker. LeBron is not one of those people.

While I understand LeBron’s frustration due to his team’s recent play, that is not a valid reason to turn the NBA on its head and give Cleveland arguably the most feared starting lineup in NBA history. His recent plea for a playmaker was controversial, as media personnel such as Charles Barkley chimed in with their thoughts on the issue. The Cavaliers are a great basketball team. Their miraculous comeback in last year’s Finals will go down in history as one of the most memorable comebacks of all time.

The Cavaliers are the reigning NBA champions, however, their struggles are noticeable this season and their play has dropped off. They are still sitting in the pole position for the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks need to do their part and keep Carmelo away from the Cavs. Their season might be over, but they shouldn’t end it for the other teams.

 
Dan is a psychology major at the University of Florida. He has a passion for sports and he is an avid fan of all things New York. Outside of New York sports, Dan also enjoys UFC.