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New York Knicks: Alternative trade options for Carmelo Anthony

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 16, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 16: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 16, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 6: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Miami Heat on December 6, 2016 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 6: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Miami Heat on December 6, 2016 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Miami Heat

In this scenario, Jeff Hornacek would find the ultimate mentor to Frank Ntilikina: Goran Dragic. Dragic made the All-NBA Third Team with Hornacek as his head coach, and he did so while playing both guard positions on the 48-win Phoenix Suns in 2013-14.

It’s not guaranteed to transpire, but Dragic and Ntilikina have the size, playmaking ability, and systematic approach to the game to be ideal complements.

The Miami Heat would need a replacement at point guard, but trading for Anthony would be a step in the right direction. Pat Riley has lived and died by his ability to get stars to Miami, and making a move for Anthony could be a launching pad.

If the bridge isn’t burned, it could be followed by the return of Anthony’s close friend, Dwyane Wade, who’s reportedly expected to enter buyout negotiations with the Chicago Bulls.

With Anthony, Wade, and Hassan Whiteside, the Heat could potentially make a push for a big-name free agent or trade target in 2018. It would be easier said than done due to Tyler Johnson’s heavily backloaded contract, but Riley has quite the track record when it comes to acquiring stars.

This is complicated and a long shot, but the Heat are known for their ambitious front office decisions—and this would fall in line with that approach.

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