New York Knicks: Alternative trade options for Carmelo Anthony

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz lost Gordon Hayward to free agency, but it’s fair to believe Quin Snyder’s crew will still be relevant. Hayward wasn’t exactly the source of Utah’s dominant success on defense, and Snyder’s offensive system is about teamwork.

By replacing Hayward with a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony, Utah may just be able to build upon the 51 games it won in 2016-17.

The New York Knicks would be taking two chances here, both of which would be on young players with potential. When healthy, 26-year-old Derrick Favors is a productive two-way player who can work both interior positions and protect the rim as well as anyone in the NBA.

Health is an issue for Alec Burks, as well, but the 26-year-old has proven to be a strong 3-point shooter and a well-rounded scoring threat when he’s been active.

The appeal for New York is that this trade would enable the front office to move forward with other trades. It could look for a suitor for Courtney Lee, who could net a late first-round draft pick, as well as a player from its surplus of big men.

If Burks and Favors don’t work out, the Knicks could still get a draft pick out of the trade and simply let Favors walk in 2018, thus clearing the way for Willy Hernangomez.

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The point is: Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks could have options, but they’re greatly limited by the timing of the negotiations.