New York Knicks: Five Mutually Beneficial Carmelo Anthony Trades

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Jan 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) controls the ball while being defended by New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Chicago Bulls

It’s no secret that Carmelo Anthony considered signing with the Chicago Bulls during the summer of 2014. The idea was that Anthony would go to Chicago to team up with Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose, with whom he’s now teammates.

While Noah and Rose are attempting to rediscover their past glory, Anthony could do something of the same by agreeing to a trade to Chicago.

This may not be the sexiest of trades, but it could benefit both teams.

Anthony would ship to Chicago to play alongside close friend Dwyane Wade and rising star Jimmy Butler. He’d also reunite with Robin Lopez, with whom he played during the 2015-16 NBA season as members of the Knicks.

That group, alongside either Michael Carter-Williams, ex-Knick Jerian Grant, or the included Brandon Jennings, would push the Bulls into the Top 4 in the Eastern Conference.

As for the Knicks, they’d be getting Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic on expiring deals, Rajon Rondo on a team-friendly contract, and a first-round draft pick. Rondo only has $3 million guaranteed in 2017-18. The Bulls project to have a pick in the 18-to-22 range.

Gibson is a Brooklyn native who would solidify the Knicks’ defense and potentially re-sign due to his local ties. Mirotic is a tantalizing talent whom Kristaps Porzingis looked up to in Liga ACB.

Mirotic will be a restricted free agent in 2017, which would thus give New York the right to match any offer.

If any coach is going to help Mirotic and Rondo realize their potential as NBA players, it’s going to be the savvy Jeff Hornacek.

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