Analyzing the Carmelo Anthony Trade

Hey guys, sorry about the lack of updates this week!  I was up in Minneapolis on Tuesday and Wednesday for a job fair.  Luckily this fair was worth my time, as I have two (maybe three) second interviews next week so wish me luck!  Anyways, this Thursday was the NBA trade deadline, and a lot of deals went down that could have a strong impact on the NBA not only in this year's playoffs, but for years to come.  The headliner of these deals? A blockbuster deal that resulted in Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks.  Below are the exact details of the trade:

Carmelo debuted against the Bucks on Wednesday

New York Knicks acquire: 

• Carmelo Anthony, Forward
• Chauncey Billups, Guard
• Shelden Williams, Forward
• Renaldo Balkman, Forward
• Anthony Carter, Guard
• Corey Brewer, Forward

Gallinari went for 30 points against the Blazers

Denver Nuggets acquire:

• Danilo Gallinari, Forward
• Wilson Chandler, Forward
• Raymond Felton, Guard
• Timofey Mozgov, Center        
• Kosta Koufos, Center
• Knicks first-round pick (2014 or later)
• Warriors' second-round picks in 2012 and 2013
• $3 million

The Knicks essentialy traded the core of their team apart from Amare Stoudemire for Carmelo, the hometown star.  The Knicks are making this deal assuming Carmelo is going to sign an extension, which is a proposed 3 years for $65 million.  However, in my opinion, the purpose of this deal is to put forth a strong core to attract a free-agent point guard to New York.  Chauncey Billups is serviceable for the time being, but clearly the Knicks have their sights on either Chris Paul or Deron Williams in summer 2012.  At that point the Knicks would be able to compete with the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference, as Boston may have dropped off a bit at point with their superstars aging. 

However, I think Denver makes out better from this current deal.  Playing Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler along with Nene Hilario on the front line gives Denver two things: (1) great size (2) flexibility.  Both Gallinari and Chandler are proven three-point shooters, and both can create mismatches at the small forward position.  Team them with SG Aron Afflalo, who is developing into a threat on the offensive end, his defense has been excellent for a while, and either Ty Lawson or Raymond Felton (UNC reunion!).  The Western Conference is pretty wide open, assuming San Antonio doesn't hold up throughout the entire season and the Lakers don't regain last year's form, and Denver still has a chance to make some noise in the playoffs if everyone can gel.  J.R. Smith should get more looks now that Melo is gone, so watch out if he gets hot!  As for the Knicks, their porous defense can't compete against the likes of Miami, Boston, and Chicago throughout a seven game series.  Carmelo adds little on defense, and the loss of Chandler gives the Knicks even less presence inside in regards to a weakness they had before the trade.