Trade targets: All 30 teams
New York Knicks
Record: 23-32
12th place in East
Status: Sellers
Before the season, the Knicks wanted to make the playoffs and create forward momentum to attract big-time free agents like Kevin Durant.
New York has had good news on the latter front: The Knicks topped last season's win total on Jan. 6, and the emergence of rookie Kristaps Porzingis has given the franchise a new rebuilding paradigm.
But now that the Knicks' progress toward a playoff berth seems to have stalled, the Carmelo Anthony question looms: Is their superstar hurting the team's long-term prospects? And will he agree to waive his no-trade clause?
If so, who could the Knicks get in exchange for Melo? We have three trade targets in mind, including a rookie and All-Star forwards from two title contenders.
Potential trade targets
Kevin Love
From the let's-move-Melo-while-we-can category: The salaries work, and Love is younger and a potential fit for the triangle. Meanwhile, Anthony would contend for a title with his friend LeBron James.
Over the weekend, Melo addressed rumors of a trade that would send him to Cleveland, saying, "I'm not going anywhere." That said, many trades are preceded by denials, so NBA observers don't take everything at face value. If the Knicks ask him to accept a trade to a contender, will he choose to stay where he's not wanted?
Blake Griffin
Griffin is even a few months younger than Love and currently is in hot water with his team. This scenario may not be any more likely than Love-for-Anthony, but it's certainly fun to think about. Plus, Anthony and Chris Paul are great friends.
Justise Winslow
This would would give the Knicks a dynamic young forward to pair with Porzingis while providing Melo a change to compete with Dwyane Wade and the other Miami Heat veterans. This potential trade was discussed by Kevin Pelton and Chad Ford here.
Jeff Teague
This one is fresh off the rumor mill. A trade of Jose Calderon and a sweetener (Langston Galloway and/or Jerian Grant) might make sense for the Hawks.
Now for the problems: The Knicks rank dead last in drives per game and 29th in pick-and-roll opportunities. That's the triangle at work, while Teague is a penetrator. Teague could play the triangle, but maybe the larger question is whether he'd want to, as well as whether he really fits what the Knicks want to do.
Al-Farouq Aminu
Do the Blazers want Robin Lopez back? If they are interested, Aminu would provide defense and elite rebounding at the 3 for New York. That would push Anthony to play more 4 while Porzingis plays 5.
Most trade value
1. Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis has played so well that he'd be a sought-after player based just on what he's already done. But it's what he's going to do that would have every other team in the NBA slobbering over themselves if he were available, especially on his rookie deal.
2. Carmelo Anthony
Anthony seems to have transitioned into more of a playmaker, appropriate for both his age and the triangle offense. Yet his balky knee is an ongoing concern, and while Porzingis looks like a great running mate for Anthony, the bottom line is they are 11 years apart in age.
And then there's this: Getting Anthony off the books without taking on long-term money creates the ultimate dream scenario for Jackson. First, find a coach to aid a successful recruitment of Durant this summer. Then in 2017, sign Russell Westbrook, too. All this while Porzingis is still on his rookie contract.
3. Arron Afflalo
Afflalo has been OK in the triangle, which benefits from his midrange shooting. Still, he remains fungible; and with a player option for 2016-17, he might leave anyway.
4. Robin Lopez
Perceptions that Lopez has struggled are little misguided. He's done what he always does. It's just that at $55 million you hoped for more, and it looks like center will be Porzingis' future position.
5. Jose Calderon
Calderon has been efficient, but he is marginalized in the triangle. He'd be a good fit for a contender looking for a pick-and-roll orchestrator and spot-up shooter off the bench.
6. Langston Galloway
It's possible the Knicks may need to renounce Galloway this summer to free up cap space. If so, it makes sense to deal him now. He could really help a team that needs perimeter defense.
Most valuable draft pick
2018 first-rounder
New York doesn't have a first-round pick this June and thus can't deal its 2017 first-rounder either.
Toughest contract to trade
Carmelo Anthony
Anthony is 31, is owed up to $78 million after this season and has a no-trade clause. It's the last factor that probably matters the most. If Anthony doesn't want to go anywhere, he's not going anywhere.
Player most likely to be traded
Jose Calderon
Calderon has a rare combination. He carries the skills that could fill crucial gaps for a good team, yet from the Knicks' perspective, he is highly replaceable.