Day 158

Fresh Start_158: Phil Jackson Magic
It seems that the New York Knicks are done with Carmelo Anthony. The guy that they sold their team to get and build their franchise around, is now being rushed out the door in New York. The catch here is; he is still in New York. Melo has been a Superstar player since he has come into the league, and the way he plays is isolation. Phil Jackson and the Knicks have seen enough of iso basketball and want to get the ball flowing to their other emerging star; Kristaps Porzingis. The Unicorn is one of the most electrifying young stars in the league, and it is clear that Jackson wants him to be the face of the franchise. But, where the Knicks have set themselves up for failure is giving Anthony a no-trade clause when he signed his most recent contract (summer 2015). This no-trade clause was an unnecessary due to the fact of how much money the Knicks gave Anthony in the deal, they undoubtedly knew they would have to restrictor or trade Melo at one point in time. The Knicks signed their team away to the devil essentially with this contract.

So, with their hands tied with Anthony, were do the Knicks go? Well, Jackson has been working the phones and trying to find a suitable destination that Melo would want to go to. Cleveland was rumored and turned down the deal that had Carmelo going to the Cavilers for Kevin Love straight up.  So, if you are Carmelo, where would you want to play? Well, if I was him, I would have two places in mind. Those would be the Clippers and Rockets. Both of those teams have legitimate chances with an addition of Carmelo to compete with Golden State come playoff time. I would personally want to play with a top tier MVP candidate in James Harden, and for a coach in Mike D’Antoni that I have already played for. Houston is 3rd in the West being 4 games behind San Antonio and 6.5 behind the Warriors. With the addition of Carmelo, James Harden would have a partner in crime and elevate his play to another level—possibly winning the MVP.

Harden is already bringing his team a great chance of advancing in the playoffs being the 3rd seed as of today, and with Melo on the team, why wouldn’t the team succeed? D’Antoni has already coached Anthony, and Harden has already competed with two other Superstars on the floor in Oklahoma City. In a league of top heavy teams’, the NBA needs to be balanced; and with this trade the Knicks would start their rebuild. At least that is the signal Phil Jackson is sending the league with the desperate demand to get rid of his star. If the Knicks are going to fold and sell at the deadline—they might as well go “all-in” for it.
Sources:(espn.com, spotrac.com)

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