Carmelo Anthony vs Al Horford (Photo : Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images Sport)
Carmelo Anthony is still the subject of NBA trade rumors as the Knicks' Porzingis develops.
There was a popular comment last year when Anthony re-signed with the Knicks which said, "Carmelo Anthony signed a 5-year, zero championship contract with the New York Knicks."
Unless Kevin Durant miraculously chooses the Knicks over all the other teams, that probably holds true, and ironically, most observers believe that the best boost to the Knicks' future title hopes is trading Melo himself.
In a recent article by Zach Lowe on ESPN, he explored the "usual suspects" involved in Melo trade. This included the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
However, one option that was not explored could probably be the best bet for Melo if he wants to embark on a title chase.
The Atlanta Hawks have been branded as a "regular season" team who can get good records (last season, they had 60 wins) but seem to lack a superstar that can get them in a deep playoff hunt. This was explored in Hawks site Peachtree Hoops.
Anthony is seen as the superstar likely to become available. There were numerous variations on possible trade offers, but perhaps a plausible option that the Knicks would accept is centered on Jeff Teague and Tiago Splitter. Other possible fillers may be included.
In the pre-season, Hawks reserve guard Dennis Schroeder publicly declared that he wants to be a starter and it was expected that the Hawks may have to choose between him and Teague. This trade would also resolve that, while giving the Hawks more small-ball combinations.
Some fans contend that the Hawks' success was dependent on team chemistry and ball movement which would take a hit when Carmelo comes on board, not to mention their depth would decrease dramatically. But in the playoffs, rotations shorten and Anthony still attracts double teams that the Hawks' shooters, like Kyle Korver, could feed on.
Melo could play extended minutes at the four, with Al Horford and Paul Millsap at the center spot while the much-improved Kent Bazemore would man the three spot.
This is still purely speculative at this point and hinges on Carmelo Anthony having a change of priorities and agreeing to waive his no-trade clause.
