And here we go yet again.
"Carmelo Anthony could have been a Knick Monday if only team president Donnie Walsh were willing to meet Denver’s trade demands, which one team official classified as “steep.”
According to a team source close to the negotiations, “there is a deal to be made” but whether Anthony joins forces with Amar’e Stoudemire in New York between Tuesday and the Feb. 24 trade deadline likely comes down to the Nuggets either lowering their asking price or the Knicks turning over their roster to acquire one of the NBA’s top players.
The Nuggets, according to a source, are asking for three starters – including Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton – plus Eddy Curry‘s expiring contract and at least one first-round pick. In that proposed deal, Anthony and veteran point guard Chauncey Billups would be coming to the Knicks." via NY Daily News
Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni think the price is too steep. Giving up Gallo and Felton plus the Curry expiring and first rounder seems to be insane but here's the catch. We not only get Melo, but also a veteran point guard who knows how to run and offense and has time and time again been named, "Mr. Big Shot," in Billups. Yes, Felton has played well this year, but Billups brings a defensive aspect to the point as well. His ability to body up opposing guards has been a strong point.
So we're looking at this. Billups at the point with 'Melo and Chandler on the wings. Stoudemire and Mozgov holding down the post with the insertion of Turiaf when he's not knicked up as well as Shawne Williams, Bill Walker and Toney Douglas. Not too bad for a team looking to compete in the East and make some noise this year rather than later. The icing on the cake with this denial by Walsh is that Dolan just might over rule the decision of the "Don Father," and get this deal done sooner than the trade deadline. Good idea? I wouldn't mind three vets holding down court at the Garden night in and night out.
Peace Up, Threes Down!
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