T.J. Warren, Phoenix Suns
Position: Small Forward
Age: 23 (9/5/1993)
Experience: 3rd Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .495/.265/.773
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.0 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.2 SPG
The Phoenix Suns are coming off of a seventh consecutive season without a postseason appearance. Perhaps most importantly, Phoenix went from 23 wins in 2015-16 to just 24 wins in 2016-17—a sign of limited improvement.
If the Suns are looking to make an immediate rise up the Western Conference standings, then a trade for Carmelo Anthony could make sense.
Anthony has just one guaranteed season remaining on his contract, which creates an appealing situation for Phoenix’s front office. Anthony could mentor the younger players alongside friend and former teammate Tyson Chandler, with whom he won 54 games in 2012-13.
If Anthony is willing to accept a trade to Phoenix, then the New York Knicks could conceivably swing a trade with general manager Ryan McDonough.
If a trade is to be made, then it would likely be centered around a promising young scorer. Phil Jackson covets wing players far more than he does point guards, and if Phoenix is in win-now mode, then that could lead to a trade package centered around T.J. Warren.
The ideal package would also include Brandon Knight, but the likely starting point would be a package revolving around Warren.
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The question is: who would the New York Knicks realistically be able to trade a 33-year-old Carmelo Anthony for?