Typical Isiah move, severely overpay and cripple the franchise for years to come. If James Dolan is taking advice from Isiah Thomas, he'll get what he deserves. Why completely gut the team to get Anthony now, when they can sign him as a free agent during the off season?
It's not like getting Anthony now, and gutting the team in the process, will make the Knicks contenders this season, it puts them totally out of contention for the foreseeable future. The Knicks would be giving up exactly the kind of complimentary role players you need to win a championship. Yes, in this day and age, you need two or three stars to win a title, but you also need role players to do the "little" things - rebound, play defense, pass the ball, spread the court - that allow your stars to shine - and win.
Jeezus, giving up Felton, Chandler and Galinari leaves the Knicks roster severely depleted of complimentary talent.
Donnie Walsh is a MUCH better GM than Isiah Thomas. James Dolan must have an incredibly short memory. In Isiah's five years as a GM, the Knicks were 39-43, 33-49, 23-59, 33-49 and 23-59, with the largest payroll in league history. They were an embarrassment, both on and off the court (including GM/coach Isiah). Walsh has returned them to winning, respectability and they are on their way to having a winning record for the first time in 10 years. And, Walsh has a solid plan to keep improving the team. Carmelo doesn't want to be traded to the Nets. Carmelo wants to win, and he wants to do it on a big stage. Everybody knows that's just a bluff to drive up the Knicks offer. Which, in the end, is stupid for both the Knicks and Carmelo - if winning really is a priority. Walsh would stand firm and call Anthony's bluff and then sign him as a free agent this summer - without giving up ANYTHING. Dolan and Isiah are so anxious to land Carmelo IMMEDIATELY, they are willing to gut the franchise and destroy any chance at contending for a title. As usual, VERY short sighted.
But, that was Isiah's biggest (of many) shortcomings when he was officially the Knicks GMs. The Eddy Curry trade was just one example. Nevermind what a huge bust Curry has become, just look at what the Knicks gave up to get him. The two UNPROTECTED 1st round picks Isiah included in that deal ended up being LaMarcus Aldridge and Joachim Noah - two athletic, active big men that would absolutely thrive in D'Antoni's offense. Can you imagine how good the Knicks front court would be right now with Aldridge starting at the 5, Amare at the 4 and Noah backing up both positions? This is why you NEVER include UNPROTECTED 1st round picks in any trade. Has any GM since Isiah done so?
The worst part of all of this - the way Isiah Thomas is stabbing Donnie Walsh in the back, undermining his authority and trying to steal his job. Not only is Donnie Walsh an infinitely better GM than Isiah Thomas, he's also an infinitely better person. And this is the reward Walsh gets for giving Isiah his first ever NBA head coaching job. What a selfish, ungrateful, little prick. In the end, I hope Isiah gets his way. I hope he once again gets to destroy and disgrace the Knicks organization. It's the legacy he, and James Dolan both deserve. And, it will give Donnie Walsh a chance to return to Indiana, where he is respected and allowed to do his job without all the idiotic meddling from morons like Isiah Thomas and James Dolan.
BNM
