New York Knicks: 5 potential Carmelo Anthony trades

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5. Miami Heat

The saying may have been done to death, but in Anthony’s case it’s still very applicable — “Don’t underestimate Pat Riley.”

Having said that, acquiring Anthony would not be some much about this upcoming season, but more related to what Riley can accomplish next summer.

And that is a reunion of LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

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While many will feel that this is far-fetched, James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers following his acrimonious departure also seemed extremely unlikely. And what better way to entice Anthony to South Beach than the possibility of teaming up in year’s time with one of best buddies, all while remaining in the weak Eastern Conference?

The possibility of a James return will never completely disintegrate. In fact, it gained some traction in the past week. ESPN’s Jorge Sedano, a lifelong Miami resident, raised the possibility of a James return when speaking on SportsCenter recently:

"“Pat Riley is a go big or go home kinda guy. And I look at Pat and he’s saying to himself – I want to create enough mobility for myself with my roster and some flexibility where I can have some cap space for next year in the big 2018 free agent class, AND have some tradable commodities to maybe be able to create some space. “I think, and this is just my guess – I think Pat Riley is trying for a LeBron reunion….LeBron is not happy, that’s what it seems like at the moment. Pat Riley is best known as a guy who likes to swoop in and take on the disgruntled superstar. He did it once with LeBron, he did it with Shaq, he did it with Alonzo Mourning.” “Pat is also in this to win this one more time. He basically told reporters a couple of years ago when LeBron left – all I need is one more…I think with LeBron having his options open and not committing to Cleveland beyond this coming season….I wouldn’t rule out a Miami reunion if the dominoes line up properly.”"

One of those dominoes would certainly involve the acquisition of Anthony. With Jackson and the Knicks having parted ways, trade talks between New York and possible suitors are now likely to be done in a more rational manner considering the relationship that existed between Anthony and Jackson.

If such a deal were struck, this still represents a great risk on Anthony’s part, as there’s no guarantee whatsoever than James may join forces with him next summer. At 33 and clearly chasing an elusive championship, Anthony is under no illusion that the clock is ticking.

However, if Riley were to pull a masterstroke and entice Anthony, a potential deal could look as follows:

The Knicks, after all, hold very little leverage considering the no-trade clause in Anthony’s contract. This deal, however, makes sense on both sides of the equation. In bringing in Hassan Whiteside, the Knicks would form an impenetrable force at the defensive end, while providing an incredible inside-out duo on the offensive end.

For the Heat, while losing Whiteside is substantial, Anthony would not only bolster the team immensely this season, but their chances of landing James in summer of 2018 would be improved considerably. Furthermore, the Heat’s backup center last season, Willie Reed, remains unsigned.

The Heat could potentially bring back Reed on a deal far less that the annual $24 million Whiteside was making. In the process, a center tandem of Reed and newly acquired Kelly Olynyk would provide a more than adequate double-overtime at the pivot spot.