New York Knicks: Designing an ideal Carmelo Anthony trade with Houston Rockets

The Untouchables

In order to outline what an ideal trade would look like, nothing will matter more to the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets than what isn’t available. Carmelo Anthony is the star on the move, but both teams have players who are purely untouchable.

That’s more important to Houston than New York, as Daryl Morey has limited options in his attempts to execute a trade.

On the Knicks’ side, there are three players who are unequivocally untouchable: Willy Hernangomez, Frank Ntilikina, and Kristaps Porzingis. It’s possible that a three-team trade could make Hernangomez or Ntilikina available, but it’s highly unlikely.

Unless the Knicks can get a legitimate star as a part of an Anthony trade, that trio of promising young players should be untouchable.

As for the Rockets, there are two players who won’t be available under any circumstances: James Harden and Chris Paul. Eric Gordon and the recent signees are also likely to be kept on the roster, as is the only rim protector Houston has: Clint Capela.

Trevor Ariza may be a necessary loss, but if Morey has it his way, he’ll find a way to keep his best perimeter defender on the roster.