The Time Is Now

The time is now.  The time has never been better.  Carmelo Anthony needs to become a member of the New York Knicks.  Throughout the entire process, I have watched Knicks fans flip flop back and forth, showing just how emotionally attached they are to these Knicks.  The bottom line is, this is not an emotional decision.  It is a business decision.  The two players at the forefront of the fans lust are Landry Fields and Danilo Gallinari.  Landry Fields, the second round steal that has provided stability at the two guard throughout the season.  The same man who has endeared himself to fans with his personality and consistency, but by all accounts will not become a "star" in this league.  Now, this does not mean to demean what Fields has done and will become, but at 2nd round pick should not hold up the acquisition of arguably one of the top 10 players in the NBA. Then we move onto Danillo Gallinari, the Italian Stallion.  By his own account, Gallinari does not see himself becoming a star in this league.  He stated very clearly in a recent radio interview, that he does not see himself on the same level as players such as Amare or Kobe.  In addition, in 2012 Gallinari will become a restricted free agent. This is the same off season when Landry Fields will become a free agent.  What most pun dents tend to disregards is even role players command a salary in the range of $4-$8 million dollars (see Darko Milicic, Mike Miller).  If Fields and Gallinari remain playing at this consistent level they could possibly command around $12-$16 million during the 2012 off season.  This is the same off season that the organization has made it a priority to sign Chris Paul or Deron Williams.  The Knicks most certainly will not be able to retain the services of these players and still acquire Paul or Williams.  This argument is similarly structured to the argument made in regards to the Felton and Billups swap.  Felton was viewed as a rental for two years until the Knicks could make a run at an elite level point guard.  Even though his play has exceeded expections, he is still not the caliber of player that Paul or Williams is.  In addition, Billups excelled at the world championships running D'Antoni's speedball offense.  With Felton being viewed as a rental and Billups contract expiring in 2012, I don't believe there should be much trepidation about completing this deal.  With Billups, the Knicks will also receive a proven leader and winner that will not be afraid to step up and take the big shot in the playoffs.  This deal significantly improves the Knicks execution and options in close games.  You go from having no one to take the last show down by two, to two of the best big shot takers in the league.  A Trade of Gallinari, Fields, Felton, and Eddie Curry is both reasonable and necessary for the team's future.  While I do not agree with a reported trade that included the above players, as well as Chadler and Mozgov, some thought does need to be given as to why this trade scenario was leaked...was it leaked by Knicks brass as an excuse to fans for this trade not being completed?