
The New York Knicks are having trouble negotiating a Carmelo Anthony trade with the Houston Rockets. Talks falling through may be a blessing in disguise.
Carmelo Anthony has made it known to the New York Knicks that he’d prefer to be traded before the 2017-18 NBA regular season. His list of preferences has turned into a single name, with the Houston Rockets outlasting all other options.
Unfortunately for Anthony, the Knicks have been unable to come to an agreement with the Rockets about a potential trade.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks have paused trade talks with both Houston and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Story posting soon with @RamonaShelburne on ESPN: The Knicks have paused Carmelo Anthony trade talks with Houston and Cleveland.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 14, 2017
Roughly a month later, Wojnarowski reported that the Knicks and Rockets had reengaged in trade discussions.
Sources on ESPN: Knicks, Rockets re-engage on Carmelo Anthony trade talks, but hurdles remain to a deal. https://t.co/ZjVxzoYyyc
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 10, 2017
Intriguing as that may be, the Knicks should give serious consideration to placing another hold on the trade discussions.
Whether you’re a fan, a detractor, or you’re impartial, there’s no way around the fact that New York could improve its future by dealing Anthony. The turmoil of 2016-17 has damaged his market value, primarily due to the Knicks making it public knowledge that they’re trying to move him.
True as that may be, New York could add another piece to its promising young core by shipping Anthony to Houston in a potential three-team trade.
Knowing that to be true, there’s also value to be found in potentially keeping Anthony around for another season. Letting him walk for nothing in 2018 would be tough to stomach, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still help the organization.
A trade may ultimately be the answer, but both Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks would both benefit from keeping trade talks on pause.