Knicks Trade Rumors: Five reasons to keep Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks are pausing the trade negotiations centered around Carmelo Anthony. What would the benefits be of keeping Anthony?

Perhaps the most incessant rumor on the open market is that the New York Knicks are attempting to trade Carmelo Anthony. Phil Jackson may be out as team president, but Steve Mills hasn’t shied away from his desire to move Anthony.

After perusing the trade market, however, it appears as though Mills and the Knicks are reevaluating their stance on the matter.

Anthony is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for a move to either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Houston Rockets. After nearly a month of negotiations, however, the Knicks appear to be warming up to the idea of keeping Anthony in New York.

According to Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks are hoping to sit down with Anthony and discuss the possibility of him staying in New York.

"The New York Knicks are pausing trade talks centered on Carmelo Anthony and want to pursue a conversation with the 10-time NBA All-Star about possibly reincorporating him into the organization, league sources told ESPN."

That’s a massive change of tune from an organization that appeared hell-bent on trading Anthony mere days ago.

Anthony, 33, is coming off of a season during which he made his 10th career All-Star Game appearance. He’s become the most polarizing athlete in New York City, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s without supreme value.

The question is: What would the benefits be of the New York Knicks bringing Carmelo Anthony back for the 2017-18 season?