New York Knicks' franchise forward Carmelo Anthony is the subject of many NBA trade rumors once again as the 2015-2016 season began last week. Just recently, a blogger fan linked Anthony to the New Orleans Pelicans and the Miami Heat as possible trade destinations for the eight-time All-Star before the February trade deadline.
Fan-made blog All About Rookies recently mentioned the possibility of the 31-year-old, 12-year pro being dealt by the Knicks to the Pelicans or Heat before the 2016 trade deadline, saying that "at the moment Carmelo is playing for a team that was predicted by NBA scouts to record around 20 wins this season, which makes me think that it is likely he could get traded by the end of the trade period on the 19th of February."
Indeed, there is no doubt that Anthony's addition to the lineup of either of the two teams would make them an instant title contender. It would be interesting how he and Anthony Davis would share the offensive responsibilities in New Orleans while Miami will have the second coming of the Big Three with Carmelo joining Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
Although these trade predictions are not likely to happen, the rumors actually make sense as Anthony is fast approaching the end of his prime years and his urgency to make deep playoff runs and contend for championships is getting higher by the season.
The New York Sun Times' Trevor Conley indicated that former ESPN reporter Bill Simmons have predicted that Carmelo will not "make it" with the Knicks come February.
"I think he signed that big deal in summer of 2014 knowing he needed to get his knee fixed and knowing that was a throwaway season... he wanted to lock that money down. So he did," Simmons said according to the article. "And now he's healthy and he's going to want to be on a good team. If NYK sucks first 6 weeks, you'll start hearing rumblings... no way he sits out another playoffs, I just don't see it. It's Year 13 for him. Tail end of his prime."
New York has a 2-1 win-loss slate so far in their first three games and it look like head coach Derek Fisher's experiment with Kristaps Porzingis has been paying dividends for the Knicks. If they keep up the winning pace, then expect Anthony to be firm with his trade clause and try to win championships staying in New York.