Source: Knicks' interest in Carmelo being questioned
As we reported in today's Newsday, a source with close knowledge of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes said the Knicks aren't being nearly as intense in their pursuit of Melo as they were for LeBron James.
"I don't think they're being as aggressive as they should," the source indicated.
Though the source acknowledged that the Nuggets have made it clear they're not interested in what the Knicks would offer off their roster -- something a team source said makes trade talks for Melo "a moot point" -- the Knicks have not put a great deal of effort into finding a third team that might have pieces to satisfy what the Nuggets are looking for in a deal, which includes an established young talent, first round picks and some salary relief for this season.
Donnie Walsh could have landed a first round pick from Indiana last month, but it would have cost him Anthony Randolph. He could always revisit that deal, however, if he needs a first round pick. Then there's Danilo Gallinari, the prized, home-grown asset of the franchise. Could he be used, along with cash, to acquire a player from a third team that the Nuggets would want?
Giving up Gallinari is a difficult conversation to have for the Knicks, but from what I've heard, there are no untouchables on the roster, perhaps outside of Amar'e Stoudemire, who would be one of the main reasons why Carmelo would want to come to the Knicks. A trade of this magnitude would push the Knicks from a playoff hopeful to being a lot closer to competing for the East against loaded rosters such as the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. And it would certainly get the attention of Chris Paul and Deron Williams, who are free agents in 2012.
But Donnie Walsh said something interesting during his round-table meeting with reporters Wednesday at the MSG Training Center that seemed to indicate his thoughts on this type of a blockbuster. While he acknowledged that "part of my job is to look out there and see if a deal can be made to get a [star] player like that," Walsh added the caveat,
"and not give up too much." He also said, "If that player is available and you don't have to destroy your whole team, you'd consider it."
The latter part is what makes any deal Denver is looking for such a challenge. For instance, the Nets would almost certainly have to give up Brook Lopez in a package for Carmelo, which leaves little on that roster that would inspire Carmelo to want to commit to an extension. As for Devin Harris being part of the deal? Denver has Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson and Harris' contract is not something the Nuggets are interested in taking as they move toward a rebuild.
The Rockets don't have to gut their roster because they have several picks (thanks, in part, to the Knicks), but what is the championship-caliber future there with Yao Ming's longevity already in question? Plus, Carmelo is looking for what LeBron and Co. have in Miami.
Unless a dark horse team appears, the strongest competition the Knicks have in the Melo sweepstakes is from the Bulls, who, I'm told, would have to give up Joakim Noah in the deal. Gar Forman may be having a bit of a battle getting Noah signed to an extension right now, but he absolutely loves Noah and what the young center provides on an already talented team. Oh, and Denver has zero interest in Luol Deng, who would make up the money part of a trade.
So is it just that Dealer Donnie has on his poker face or are the Knicks more inclined to stick to their young guns and hope the situation carries into the season? I've been steadfast in my belief that this kind of complicated deal doesn't happen with any swiftness, but the aforementioned source said Denver wants to avoid a LeBron-like media circus and, therefore, would like to get something done before the season starts.
