It seems like the Knicks are close to trading Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph in return for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and a couple of spare parts.
As much as I love Melo I think the Knicks should stand pat. Yes, there is a chance Melo will panic and accept a trade (and a 3-year, $65 million deal) to the Nets, but the long-term interests of the team would be best served by hoping Melo hits the free agent market.
The fact is, he wouldn’t make the team good enough to win a title this year. So why trade serviceable parts (Gallo, Chandler and even Felton – though he may not be with the team next year) and another #1 draft choice (in 2014) to get him now? The only answer is because after this summer’s debacle Donnie Walsh doesn’t want to come up short once again.
Yes, it would be a gamble to give the Nets three days to reach a deal with Melo, and yes it would be an embarrassment to be wrong, but the prospect of getting Melo for free (essentially) makes that a wager worth making.
You presume Donnie Walsh is even involved at this point. Isiah is making this deal, and Donnie will be gone after the season.
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