Reppin' 716

By Dan Rodgers

The New York Knicks have been busy in this brief time since the agreement of the new CBA. They pulled a deal with the defending champion Dallas Mavericks to get Tyson Chandler. One new clause in the CBA is called the "Amnesty Clause." Over the length of the deal (10 years), every team can cut one player without any of the usual financial repercussions to the salary cap, etc. The Knicks already used their amnesty on point guard Chauncey Billups (who has since been claimed by the Los Angeles Clippers). Billups was due over $14 million this season.

The New Orleans Hornets have been attempting to deal Chris Paul to any Los Angeles team, but the league (David Stern) apparently doesn't want Paul to go to L.A. There have been rumors linking Paul to the Knicks but nothing as of recent.

The Knicks made another temporary fix by signing Mike Bibby, who will likely split time with Toney Douglas. Second-year shooting guard Landry Fields will try to build off of successful first half last season, and the Knicks brought in more youth at guard by drafting former Georgia Tech shooting guard Iman Shumpert.

Of course, all of these signings are to complement superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. If you haven't gotten the title yet: Melo is No. 7, Amar'e is No. 1 and TC is No. 6.

The Knicks made the playoffs last season but were swept by the Celtics. Now, with a revamped frontcourt, and a good mix of youth and experience at guard, the Knicks are hoping to battle it out with the Heat, Celtics, and Bulls to represent the Eastern Conference. The Hawks usually compete but they just aren't good enough. However, if the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets keep Deron Williams and can workout a deal for Dwight Howard, they will more than likely contend.

It should be a crazy 66-game season, and I can't wait.

Rodgers That

Big Apple 'Melo-ing out

By Dan Rodgers

Of course the day I decide to write a tidbit about the trade is the day that the trade finally get done.

Carmelo Anthony has reportedly been traded to the New York Knicks, according to the Denver Post. Apparently, the trade involves Anthony and at least two other Nuggets, four Knicks, draft picks and cash.

WOW...I'll write more when I know what players were involved...

UPDATE:

Knicks Get:

• SF: Carmelo Anthony
• PG: Chauncey Billups
• G: Anthony Carter
• G/F: Sheldon Williams
  
• F: Renaldo Balkman (former-Knick)

Knicks C Eddy Curry and PF Anthony Randolph are reportedly going to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nuggets Get:

• F: Danilo Gallinari
• F: Wilson Chandler
• PG: Raymond Felton
• C: Timofey Mozgov
• Knicks 1st-round pick 2014
• Warriors 2nd-round pick 2012 & 2013
• $3 million cash
  

This is an awkward trade for the Knicks. They gave up a ton of depth to get Anthony and if Billups retires they will have to start Toney Douglas. Douglas has looked good at times but I don't know if he's ready to start.

The Knicks are now forced to either play a very small lineup with Amar'e Stoudemire at center or start Ronny Turiaf or another bench player there. They'll probably do the latter of the two options.

I can't wait until Sunday Feb. 27, 2011 when the Knicks play the Heat. That will be a great game and early test for the Melo/Amar'e combo.

Rodgers That

'Melo Out

By Dan Rodgers

The NBA trade deadline is three days away and we have yet to see anything noteworthy. The big player that everyone wants to know about is Denver Nuggets Forward Carmelo Anthony.

The Syracuse product is easily a top 10 player in the NBA and he is only 26 years old. The big players are the New Jersey (soon to be Brooklyn) Nets and New York Knicks. The Nets owner has said that he met with Melo and that it went great.

Per an article from ESPN New York, "As you know, my instinct was to stay away and I still think that is [the] right decision," Prokhorov said.

Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Nets and Russian billionaire, called of the talks about a month ago but said the meeting went "fantastic." The Nets look to be forcing the Knicks to play their hand if they want Anthony.

The Knicks, in response, have drawn a line in the sand. They have offered the Nuggets a trade and have said they won't budge from there. The trade will likely have the Knicks give up Wilson Chandler and Raymond Felton among other players.

As a Knicks fan, I don't want them to get rid of Danilo Gallinari. Felton has been great this year but if the management thinks Toney Douglas can take over then you have to trust them. Look for the Knicks to try and force the Nugs to take Eddy Curry in the trade because his contract is ridiculous. I pray that NY doesn't give up another first round pick. Years and years ago they screwed themselves by trading picks years into the future and they are just getting past those drafts. If the Knicks can get Melo, keep Gallinari, Landry Fields and their first round pick it should be a good trade for New York.

I'll update if there are any deals worth noting.

Rodgers That