Recent trade rumors involving New York Knicks superstar forward Carmelo Anthony and Chicago Bulls All-Star center Pau Gasol are buzzing online as fourth overall pick Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly being developed as the new cornerstone of the Big Apple franchise.
An article at Sports Illustrated featured a roundtable discussion asking the website's NBA experts on what potential NBA trade do they want to push through this season.
Five NBA writers have pitched in their opinions and perhaps the most interesting idea was that of Matt Dollinger suggesting a trade moving Anthony to the Bulls in exchange for two-time NBA champion slot man Gasol.
Dollinger noted that "both the Bulls and Knicks are inching toward reincarnation" and this blockbuster trade might finally push them to where they needed to be.
It is no secret that Chicago is currently having a logjam of players in their frontcourt with Gasol, 2014 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, up-and-coming Spanish sensation Nikola Mirotic, veteran backup Taj Gibson, and 22nd overall selection Bobby Portis all competing for minutes in Fred Hoiberg's rotation.
An alleged friction between Noah and Gasol was even said to be emerging as the former insists that it was not his idea to come off the bench, which could eventually push Hoiberg to push the trade button.
Having Anthony in the lineup would be a huge upgrade for the Bulls in all areas of the game as well as the business. The eight-time All-Star could also immensely ease the pressure off Derrick Rose as Chicago will no longer be anxious about losing a legitimate superstar anytime in the season.
Meanwhile, the Knicks would also benefit with Gasol in their lineup. For one, the Spaniard is Phil Jackson's triangle offense protégé and head coach Derek Fisher's former teammate, which means the fit will instantly be there.
However, the main benefit for New York is that it would signal "the official start of the Porzingis Era in Manhattan", as mentioned by Dollinger.
A recent RealGM forum by New York fans actually discussed potential trade scenarios involving Anthony and, quite interestingly, the main premise is the emergence of the 20-year-old Latvian as the new face of the Knicks franchise.
Whether Chicago and New York will agree to such a trade remains to be seen at this point in the season. But it perfectly makes sense for Anthony, who has a no-trade clause in his current contract, to give his consent of moving to the Bulls if he really wants to win a championship while still in his prime.