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Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Trading Carmelo Anthony

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 14, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Free Agency Implications

The New York Knicks have been unable to secure commitments from high-profile free agents during the Phil Jackson era. Between the inability to secure meetings and the general failure to seal the deal, free agency hasn’t been productive for New York.

If Jackson and Anthony are unable to find common ground and operate as one, then free agents will continue to avoid signing with the Knicks.

Anthony is one of the most popular players in the NBA, and whether or not he attracts free agents, he has the respect of his peers. Thus, when said individuals see the manner in which Anthony is being treated, they’ll likely take it to heart.

By going through with trading Anthony, the Knicks would essentially decimate their chances on the free agency front for at least one year.

If Jackson were to trade Anthony and the Knicks were to win games, that would cure most evils. Until that transpires, however, the team president would continue to be one of the most polarizing individuals in sports.

The question is quite simple at this stage: can Phil Jackson afford to trade Carmelo Anthony without sacrificing the team’s short-term future? In free agency, the answer may be no.

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