New York Knicks: Five realistic Carmelo Anthony trade proposals

Houston Rockets + Detroit Pistons

Detroit Gets: Ryan Anderson, PF; Trevor Ariza, SF
Houston Gets: Carmelo Anthony, SF; Boban Marjanovic, C
New York Gets: Tobias Harris, SF; Shawn Long, PF; Chinanu Onuaku, PF/C; Tim Quarterman, SG; Isaiah Taylor, PG; Future first-round draft pick (via Rockets)

The reality here is that the Houston Rockets are going to need a third team in order to get this trade done. Houston lacks the assets that the New York Knicks are looking for, and there isn’t much else that general manager Daryl Morey can do to change that.

Although not included in rumors thus far, one of the few teams that may be willing to take on Ryan Anderson’s contract is the Detroit Pistons.

In this trade scenario, Houston would receive Carmelo Anthony and center Boban Marjanovic from New York and Detroit. In return, the Pistons would get former Stan Van Gundy sharpshooter Ryan Anderson, and two-way small forward Trevor Ariza.

Houston would get its third star and a potential rim protector, and Detroit would acquire spacing and a potentially elite perimeter defense with Ariza and Avery Bradley.

As for New York, the key here is well-rounded forward Tobias Harris. The other players included are admittedly filler to make the trade work, although Isaiah Taylor could be an interesting player to evaluate at point guard after his strong showings in the G League and Summer League.

This may or may not be the answer, but New York would have a young and promising starting lineup with Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris, Kristaps Porzingis, and Willy Hernangomez.