The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and Carmelo Anthony being dealt to Boston makes sense for both them and the New York Knicks.
The 2017 NBA trade deadline became the biggest, in terms of superstar movement, since 2011 within seconds as All-Star big man Demarcus Cousins was shipped to New Orleans for what amounts to basically spare change.There was a reason 2011 was mentioned and its because of how much star power found new homes then, including the New York Knicks’ own Carmelo Anthony. Now, six years down the road, Anthony could once again be involved in the biggest trade deadline period since he was the headliner in ’11.
Anthony has been linked to three main teams – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics. However, of the three teams who are reported to have interest in the now 10-time All-Star, only one destination makes sense for both parties at once.
And that would be the Celtics.
The die-hard fans would struggle to cope with their most beloved player being dealt to their bitter rivals, especially one in the same division and conference, but right now, the Celtics are their best bet, as well as Anthony’s.
Boston’s point of view
The Celtics are currently atop the Atlantic Division, and are only two games behind the Cavaliers for the top spot in the East. As close as they may be in the standings to LeBron James‘ squad, the current Celtics clearly cannot overcome the star-studded Cavs in a seven game playoff series.However, the addition of a bona fide star would bolster their chances at dethroning them, mainly due to the fact that all of the pressure wouldn’t be on Isaiah Thomas. Yes, Al Horford is a quality player, but he isn’t a prolific scorer like Anthony.
As much ridicule as Anthony receives for sub-par play when it counts, Isaiah Thomas takes it to a new level – in two appearances, Thomas has shot 37 percent from the field and just 25 percent from behind the long line, as well as turning the ball over 3.5 times per contest.
When Anthony’s Nuggets were in the same position the Celtics are in now, he didn’t disappoint, scoring 27.2 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from distance over the 2007 to 2010 time frame.
Anthony’s numbers shooting-wise would likely rise in Boston, as he wouldn’t be the main area of focus. The 32-year-old veteran would be featured in lots of catch and shoot situations, and this season when he has held the ball for less than two seconds prior to shooting he has converted 53 percent of his attempts overall and 43 percent from three point range. As a Celtic, Anthony wouldn’t have to be ball dominant and he could do what he does best – convert catch and shoots.
It would be an absolute Catch and Shoot clinic.
There’s no doubting the Celtics are a great team, but they can’t summit the mountain just yet. Anthony with his shooting and scoring ability would drastically improve their chances though.
New York’s point of view
The Knicks have been the definition of mediocrity ever since acquiring Anthony. The biggest height the team has reached was a 54 win season and second round appearance in 2013. By no means is it all Anthony’s fault nor should a bulk of the blame be placed on him. It just wasn’t meant to be in the Big Apple.The Knicks have rebuilt the past three seasons and they haven’t persisted with any one of those groups. As a result, the Knicks are years away from being competitive, while Anthony’s championship window is closing.
The 32-year-old is a terrific player, but he will single-handedly carry the Knicks to mediocrity. They won’t be a contender nor will they be in last place, just in the middle of the pack, which is never useful.
But by dealing Anthony to Boston, New York would have a great base for a proper rebuild that could reap great benefits in he coming years.
The Brooklyn Nets went for broke in the summer of 2013 by trading for Paul Pierce and the now retired Kevin Garnett. As a result, they handed Boston multiple first round draft picks. In 2015 it was Terry Rozier, last year Jayden Brown and in the next two years, it will be the first overall selection, or close to it. It is well known around The Association that the Celtics have assets upon assets, which is rare for a contending team, making them an ideal trade partner.
The Knicks also have the upper hand – Boston has folded on trades for Demarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Paul George and Blake Griffin all due to the fact that they will not relinquish Brooklyn’s pick. That pressure falls right back on general manager Danny Ainge. They are a great team, but not the best, and they need another piece to get over that hump. They’ve missed out on other stars and quite simply, Anthony is the last available one.
Basically, if the Celtics want Anthony, they have to part ways with their beloved pick. Aside from the picks, Boston also has solid young talent in Rozier and Brown who should very obviously be on the Knicks’ radar, as well as established players such as Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder – very solid guys making just $8 million a season – another reason why Boston is the ideal franchise to make the exchange with.
Anthony has expressed his desire to win and Boston gives him a terrific opportunity to do so. He also told reporters recently that he doesn’t want to leave New York without them having a plan, and Boston gives the Knicks the best opportunity to begin a full rebuild and a new path forward.
The NBA trade deadline is on February 23 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.