Updates on the Carmelo Anthony Rumor Mill
Well the rumor mill continues to spin wildly in New York City. And the ripples are being felt throughout the organization. Phil Jackson and the Knicks front office remain committed in their pursuit of a trade for Anthony. Melo, a 13-year veteran forward,
Following a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Melo, the 13-year veteran forward, had this to say:
“I’m still keeping it [mellow], still keeping it cool, man. It definitely kind of tests you, can put you to the test.” He’s got a point; it’s difficult to give it 100 percent when you’re team is shopping you around like a grocery cart. “That’s kind of where you have to dig deep at,” he said after the game, “Despite of everything that’s going on, that’s surrounding — I don’t even want to say us — me. It’s testing me. It’s testing my will. It’s testing me as a human being. It also is making me stronger throughout this process.”
In what way it’s making him stronger, we have yet to find out. In their 104-111 loss to LeBron and Co., Melo went 6 for 20 from the field, 1 for 6 from three, for 17 points and 6 rebounds. In the previous game against Boston, he posted equally unimpressive numbers, going 6 for 22 from the field with 15 points and three boards. Still, the Knicks managed to win that game. Despite averaging 30 points in a recent seven-game stretch, Melo has struggled in the past two, missing 30 of 42 shots. It’s clear the rumors are beginning to take their toll on Anthony as he struggles to keep his morale, and in turn his play, at a high level.
As of yet, the Knicks haven’t been able to find a buyer. There’s a few contenders–namely the Cavaliers–but so far, no one’s bit. Late last month, the Cavaliers rebuffed a trade offer for Kevin Love, making it clear they weren’t willing to swap him outright. He proved them right last night, notching 23 points and 16 rebounds. He went 4 for 7 from three and 7 for 16 from the field. It’s hard to justify giving up Love, despite his back troubles. He’s simply a necessary force for Cleveland. On Friday, he told the media he believes he’ll be with the Cavs for a long time.
And besides, as talented as Anthony is, the Cavs need a playmaker and a big man, neither of which are very good descriptors for the Knicks’ forward. Still, in advance of the NBA’s February 23 trade deadline, the Knicks are doing their best. Other potential teams include the Clippers and the Celtics. But ultimately the say rests with Melo himself.
As per his no-trade clause, Anthony gets the final decision on where he’ll end up. He’s discussed waiving the clause to help things along, but that hasn’t happened yet. Whether or not a team decides to welcome him into their folds remains to be seen. In the mean time, it’s putting a considerable strain on the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. Last night, the home crowd booed Melo, and you’ve got to feel bad for the guy. He’s just trying to play basketball. Granted he’s doing it in the most vicious city when it comes to fans. In New York, it’s either love ’em or hate ’em and there’s no in-between. For a guy like Melo that was brought in to help them win championships in a league filled with star-laced squads, the stakes are even higher.
But, he’s doing what he can to stay positive. “My son, family, friends. Those are things, people that keep me positive, keep me happy,” he said. “And then when I get to the gym it’s just all about basketball and being around kind of my teammates and seeing the vibe is still there between us, between everybody. Everybody is still positive about what we have going on and what we’re trying to do. So that’s the way I’m dealing with it.”
We’ll see how things evolve from here, following the loss to Cleveland–including whether or not the Cavs will try to bring Melo in without relinquishing Love. That might involve some monstrous four-team trade deal. Whatever the case, something’s got to give soon. The clock is ticking, the deadline is approaching, and the Knicks are running out of options.
