NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul is the Key to Carmelo Anthony leaving Knicks for Clippers
Friendships in life mean the world but in the NBA it means championships. Would LeBron James have any rings if it were not for his relationship with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh? Now, there may be another close friendship that changes the balance of power in the Western Conference according to NBA Trade Rumors.
The New York Knicks are supposedly interested in trading Carmelo Anthony to the Los Angeles Clippers for only what can be described as a cheese sandwich and a box juice. Phil Jackson wants none of the Clippers big three in Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan. Instead, Jackson is willing to let his star player go for the likes of Austin Rivers, J.J. Reddick and a pick. Wow.
Has it really gotten this bad in New York?
Yes and no.
The Knicks have struggled this season, hell, they have struggled for all but one season since Melo arrived in New York. And while it seems absurd to lose one of the best players in the league, Jackson is looking at the bigger picture. The issue is, that picture makes no damn sense for the Knicks.
Anthony has a no-trade clause that allows him to veto any trade the Knicks are willing to make. Melo has the power here, the Knicks can only hope that he’s willing to do not only what’s best for him but for the Knicks as well. If a deal can be struck and Anthony agrees to move then all thanks must be given to Paul.
They are a group of close friends that play on Team U.S.A. and vacation in the offseason together. Two of the four have already joined forces to win a ring and the only thing left is for Paul and Melo to do the same. There are reports that as soon as the news broke Paul and Anthony connected on a phone call and talked about the possibility. All Paul has to do is assure Anthony that he and Blake Griffin are willing to stay after this year and you can bet your life savings that come deadline time, Anthony will be in Los Angeles with his friend.
This is a pairing the two have discussed in years past. It started at Paul’s wedding as he, Anthony and Amare Stoudemire talked of joining forces. Well, Stoudemire is no longer in the NBA and all that leaves in Melo and Paul.
For Melo it’s an upgrade if he’s able to join a team that features one of the best defensive coaches in Doc Rivers, a top 5 PG in Paul, possibly the beat defensive big man in Jordan and the offensive powerhouse that is Griffin.
The West is tough with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets but if Paul can convince Anthony to lift his clause the Clippers have the means to compete with any of the West leaders.
Bonds are made in the offseason that can lead to championships during the season.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
