The New York Knicks need to stop teasing their fans and blow this whole thing up
Jan 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) leaves the court following the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks and many of their fans might not appreciate Carmelo Anthony, but the Cleveland Cavaliers sure would.

It’s no secret that the New York Knicks are trying to trade Carmelo Anthony. Rumors have been swarming around the league that Knicks President, Phil Jackson, has been contacting all who would listen in an attempt to unload the former all-star.

However, Jackson and the Knicks are hindered in what they can do because of Anthony’s no-trade clause, a provision granted to him by Jackson himself.

The no-trade clause bars the Knicks from trading Anthony to any team without his expressed written consent, giving Carmelo and his potential suitors the upper hand in any trade negotiations.

Therefore, the Knicks have been forced to engaged in trade discussions with the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to NBA sources, they are the only teams Anthony would consider waiving his no-trade clause for, should a deal be struck.

However, with two years and 54 million dollars remaining on Anthony’s contract, it’s no easy task to orchestrate a trade.

ESPN reports confirm that the Boston Celtics have already notified the Knicks that they are not interested in Anthony’s services. Due to the Celtics current salary structure, they would have to give up too much of their young talent in order to acquire the Knicks aging star, a move they are unwilling to make.

That leaves the Cavaliers and the Clippers as the only potential landing spots for Anthony. Both teams are desperately looking to make a move that could help them defeat the Golden State Warriors and therefore are listening to everything the Knicks have to say.

Carmelo would fit perfectly with the Cavaliers 

LeBron James has gone on record stating that the Cavaliers are missing a playmaker and need to improve in order to repeat as champions. The addition of Carmelo Anthony would provide Cleveland with another proven scorer and a player who would help the team sustain a high playing level while the current big three are on the bench.

Anthony may not be a centerpiece to a championship contender, but as a role player on an already good team, you can be sure he would excel.

Anthony’s shortcomings as a basketball player have been evident long before he arrived in New York. Any scouting report would tell you that he is a ball dominant forward and liability on the defensive end, two weaknesses that have prevented him from leading his teams to playoff glory.

However, Anthony is also a remarkable offensive talent, who has the ability to score from anywhere on the court, making him an elite NBA player.

Carmelo Anthony may have once again become the Knicks’ scapegoat, but in Cleveland, he would become their savior. A trade to Cleveland would give Anthony his best chance of winning an NBA title, giving the Cavaliers the talent necessary to negate the addition of Kevin Durant by the Golden State Warriors.

Carmelo has already said he would love to play with his long time friend in Cleveland and with the Cavaliers facing injuries and championship fatigue, expect general manager David Griffin to make a move for Anthony if it benefits the team.

The waiting game

Griffin has already turned down several attempts from the Knicks for an Anthony-Love swap, but don’t count the Cavaliers out just yet. As it gets closer to the trade deadline the Knicks desperation will grow and the Cavaliers would look to capitalize.

Both Carmelo and the Cavaliers would benefit from the potential trade. The Cavaliers would get a player to take some of the pressure away from LeBron and Kyrie and Carmelo will get away from the dysfunction of the New York Knicks.

The Knicks would love to get all-star level talent in return for Anthony, but without much leverage, they have started to come down on their asking price. It has become a game of chicken, as the Cavaliers and Clippers’ front office are waiting for the Knicks to break.

If Carmelo has any luck, he will be traded to the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Sports, The Brooklyn Way. Writer, EliteSportsNY.com, Grind Now, Smile Later.