Is this the Houston Rockets' Big Three? (Photo : Maddie Meyer | Getty Images Sport)
Did controversial "Clairvoyant Bill" predict a trade that sends Carmelo Anthony to the Houston Rockets?
About a month ago, former Grantland editor-in-chief Bill Simmons had a pre-season pseudo-AMA (ask me anything) on NBA Reddit and he was asked to make predictions.
"I think Houston has one big December/January move in them... and I don't think Carmelo makes it to February... and I think Boston has a 4-for-1 trade in them. But I don't know what comes first."
While he probably meant that the Houston Rockets trade is different from the Carmelo Anthony trade, the idea would actually make sense.
The Rockets continue to lose, as they are now 1-3 after firing Kevin McHale which seems to corroborate the observation that the coach is not really the problem.
Simmons made the prediction in the pre-season, which means that he believed the Rockets are not set with their roster. Indeed, the Rockets did pursue Carmelo Anthony in the summer of 2014 and Chris Bosh in 2015 as they always believed that a "Big Three" is the best formula for a championship.
Houston GM Daryl Morey has too much pride to not make a move to improve the team, and a bold trade like this is something he would do to counter the embarrassment of their season.
The question is what he could offer the Knicks to make them give up their superstar.
Clutch Fans, a Houston Rockets forum, suggested a package of Clint Capela, Corey Brewer, Patrick Beverley, Terrence Jones and picks. However, that may not pique Phil Jackson's interest.
The Knicks would probably want to add Jose Calderon along with Melo and ask for Trevor Ariza (former Phil Jackson player), Donatas Montiejunas, Clint Capela, Corey Brewer and they may even gamble on Ty Lawson with their need at the point.
This is still highly speculative and "Clairvoyant Bill" has missed more predictions than he has made. But recent events (Rockets losing, Porzingis rising as star of NY) may make this prediction more probable than when it was made.
