Knicks Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony To Request Trade As New York Knicks Struggle?

Knicks trade rumors involving Carmelo Anthony are a familiar tale in New York. Now, there are fresh New York Knicks trade rumors suggesting Anthony could ask to be dealt before the NBA trade deadline. A report from Frank Isola at the New York Daily News may have sparked the Anthony rumors again, as he is the highest paid player on a team that could miss the NBA Playoffs (again).

What may seem interesting about these New York Knicks trade rumors is that Isola links Carmelo Anthony to the Chicago Bulls. He goes on to state that Anthony should consider requesting a trade so that he doesn’t have to waste more time during a rebuild in New York. Knicks president Phil Jackson certainly seems to have a plan in place to turn the franchise around, but it may not lead to a lot of short-term success.

After a third-straight loss, the Knicks have fallen to 23-29 and 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks are now four and a half games behind the Detroit Pistons for the eighth playoff spot. While there are still 30 games left in the NBA regular season for the Knicks to make up that deficit, the team could then be faced with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a first-round playoff opponent.

Frank Isola also noted that rival executives feel the Knicks should trade Anthony while the team can still get a nice return. That could include a group of young players and draft picks, which would certainly be good pieces to help in their rebuilding process. The problem with any of these New York Knicks trade rumors is that Carmelo Anthony has a full no-trade clause built into his current contract. It means the Knicks cannot trade Anthony without his permission.

Anthony is having a down season with the Knicks, but still got voted in as one of the starters for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game. It shows how high his popularity around the league still is, possibly adding additional value on the trade market. This season, Anthony is averaging 21.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His shooting percentages are down to just 42.4 from the field and 32.6 from three-point range, but he still often commands a double team on offense.

A large group of teams could certainly use Anthony for the 2015-16 NBA season, giving momentum to the current New York Knicks trade rumors. Some of those teams include the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Clippers. He could fit in easily as a starting small forward on all five teams, giving them a needed push as the 2016 NBA Playoffs approach. It could also push those teams into real contention alongside the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Cavaliers. But would they give the Knicks assets to convince Phil Jackson to make the deal?

If Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics wanted to make a big splash before the NBA trade deadline, then a deal to acquire Carmelo Anthony would do it. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Celtics possess a large group of young players and future first-round draft picks. Offering the Knicks a 2016 first-round pick along with a future draft pick could certainly get Jackson on the phone a bit longer. But, would Anthony want to go play for the Celtics?

The 2016 NBA trade deadline falls on February 18, giving teams about two more weeks to make deals. There are going to be a lot of additional New York Knicks trade rumors if the team falls further out of the race for the 2016 NBA Playoffs. If that is the case, Knicks fans should be fully prepared to hear many scenarios that involve Carmelo Anthony.

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