The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the rumor mill is HOT! Since fake news is in, let’s go over some fake trades for NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony. Melo is on a high-paid contact from the New York Knicks, and reports have leaked that President Phil Jackson (how dare you for dumping Jeanie Buss!) will do whatever he can to trade Melo by the deadline.

I really only feel three trades can happen thanks to Melo’s no trade clause. Other teams have deals to be made (Boston, Washington, etc…) but I don’t see Melo accepting those destinations.

 

Trade 1: Melo to Clippers

Clippers Get:	Knicks Get:
SF – Carmelo Anthony PG – Brandon Jennings SG – J. Holiday 2022 2nd Round Pick	SG – Jamal Crawford PG – Austin Rivers SG – JJ Redick PF – Luc Mbah a Moute 2022 1st Round Pick (Lottery Protected)

Why it works for the Clippers:

The addition of Melo solidifies the small forward position for the Clips, without giving up the big 3 they currently have. Melo also allow the Clips to play small ball with either DJ or Blake at the 5 (to battle Golden State’s “Line-Up of Death”). This does hurt the clippers in the long run, but only a little bit. Getting Melo extends their window by a few years, and will be even more attractive for veterans to play there for the minimum. Getting PG Brandon Jennings also allows him to come back to the city he grew up in, and help the Clips out with CP3 latest injury.

Why it works for the Knicks:

This frees up cap space with Melo leaving. JJ Redick is a free agent in the off-season, and that frees up his $7.3M, along with Derrick Rose’s $21M. This allows the Knicks to sign a big free agent, or acquire a big time player with a big time salary. Getting Jamal Crawford back in NYC only feels right, and PG Austin Rivers is a nice find on a friendly contact (that can easily be traded later). If this trade goes down, I expect the Knicks to get a pick from the Clippers. The Clippers don’t own their own 1st round pick outright until 2021, so the 2022 first rounder can be lottery protected in this deal.

Trade 2: Clippers/Knicks Swap Superstars

Clippers Get:	Knicks Get:
SF – Carmelo Anthony PG – Brandon Jennings	PF – Blake Griffin PG – Austin Rivers

Why it works for the Clippers:

The addition of Melo solidifies the small forward position for the Clips, but the loss of Blake does hurt. However, Melo is a true fit at the wing position next to CP3 and a center like DeAndre Jordan. Melo adds another shooter to the floor for CP3, allowing for a free-flowing pick and roll offense (CP3/DJ pick n roll…Melo, JJ and Crawford on the wings). Also, this means two of “Team Banana Boat” are in Los Angeles (paging LBJ and Flash…). Jennings comes back to LA and helps the Clippers with their PG depth.

Why it works for the Knicks:

Getting rid of Melo and adding Blake is win for the Knicks. Blake is five years younger and fits the young movement better. Granted, Blake has his injury concerns and can opt-out in the off-season. However, the thought of putting Blake next to Porzingis is salivating. Imagine the alley-oops, the pick n pops, the Kia commercials…it will be fun to watch. If Blake leaves, then that frees up over $40M in cap space for the Knicks, without really getting worse (by that I mean not giving up The Zinger). Getting Austin Rivers as a solid back up PG is great when Rose (and his contract) leave and allows them to get a PG.

Trade 3: LeBron gets his buddy

 

Cavaliers Get:	Knicks Get:
SF – Carmelo Anthony C – Joakim Noah C – Miles Plumlee	C – Tristan Thompson SG – Iman Shumpert PF – Channing Frye SG – Jordan McRae 2021 1st Round Pick (Top 15 Protected) 2018 2nd Round Pick

Why it works for the Cavaliers:

While it may hurt Dan Gilbert’s wallet, this move makes their best player (LeBron) happy. He get’s his buddy Melo to come to Cleveland for at least three years. LeBron and Melo can both split time at the 3/4 and this slides Love up to play more center. Keeping JR really helps spread the floor for LeBron and Kyrie. Getting Noah isn’t exactly what the Cavs wanted, but you have to take a little to get a lot. Noah could provide some key moments and energy off the bench. Korver’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the Cavs will turn that into a couple of key vets.

Why it works for the Knicks:

The Knicks get rid of two horrific salaries while getting a big to play alongside Porzingis. Tristan Thompson is a solid big who gets a double double, and allows Zingis to float around the perimeter more. This solidifies the front court, and allows the Knicks to make a move in the off-season. Iman Shumpert comes back to NY in this deal because…someone has to get traded. The Knicks also get a pick from the Cavs when they may or may not be bad. Really, this is a win because the Knicks get rid of two contacts that suck, and in April, it will be three.

BONUS TRADE

Lakers Get:	Pelicans Get	Suns Get	Twolves Get
PF – Anthony Davis G – Zach Lavine G – Devin Booker	C – Timofey Mozgov	G – Lou Williams	G – Jordan Clarkson

 

Okay…this one has no shot of happening….but I can dream!