The average deadline is lucky to see one or two All-Star caliber players shipped out, as evidence by 2015’s marquee deals featuring the likes of Tobias Harris, Brandon Jennings, and Channing Frye.
The year before was an exception, as a trio of point guards entering their prime, Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, and Reggie Jackson were all moved.
The last blockbuster deadline trade was actually back in 2011 when the Knicks gave up four players and three picks to bring in Carmelo Anthony who, coincidentally, is the feature of this year’s rundown.
But Anthony reaffirmed his commitment to the Knicks early this week in a sit-down with team president Phil Jackson though it is not an assurance that Knicks would not move him.
After a loss to the Raptors, one of New York’s 11 defeats in a 13-game stretch, Anthony said he hadn’t thought about waiving his no-trade clause despite rumors to the contrary.
Melo solidified that stance in the business-like meeting he had with Phil Jackson though it’s unclear if he bought Jackson’s attempt to distance himself from the critical column written by good friend and former assistant coach Charley Rosen last week.
In his article, Rosen mentioned that Anthony would be open to nixing the no-trade for a deal that would land him with the Cavaliers or Clippers so he could be with one of his best friends LeBron James or Chris Paul on a championship contender team.