The New York Knicks moved heaven and earth to trade for Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. They did the same when they convinced him to sign a long-term contract in 2014, and it worked. For the most part he’s been a spectacular player for the Knicks. However, the 32-year-old wants to win, and he wants it now. The Knicks, although improving, aren’t there yet. In fact they won’t get there before Carmelo’s skills have largely decreased. For that reason, it’s a win-win to trade the All-Star now. Trade him for players, picks and cap room, and he’ll have a shot at his coveted ring, and the Knicks can improve with an arsenal of tools to help them in doing so. One option is a trade for Kevin Love.

Carmelo’s abilities will decrease rapidly as he continues in to his thirties, yet teams would still trade their arm and a leg to get him. The Knicks can call all the shots here, and indeed they should.

Carmelo wants to win, but seems to have accepted the fact that he might remain in New York.

Phil Jackson insisted “In our meeting at the end of the season, Carmelo said, ‘Really, it’s not that bad. I think we have the best frontline guys in the game in the Eastern Conference in Robin [Lopez], myself and Kristaps [Porzingis],’”.

Will he stay, however?

Jackson explained “I have to agree with him: Yes, those are three real potent figures, but we still have guard roles to have to play. So we’ve got some positions to fill, but not a lot. Not that many.”

However, every team in the NBA would offer a crazy package to get him, and Jackson is a smart man. He must realize this is the smart thing to do.

One option is to trade him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’d be willing to off-load Love. Although he’s not on Carmelo’s level, he’s younger, and would provide an excellent cornerstone to rebuild the franchise upon.

Should the Knicks keep Carmelo, they must target Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan or any other all-star help to ensure Carmelo can win now. It won’t be easy. Any of these additions would help the Knicks change their Betway.com’s odds. Can they win a championship for Carmelo?

However, if they want the easier, long-term approach that Jackson has previously spoken of, then trading him makes sense. He deserves a chance to win it all, at least, and with his value to decrease, the Knicks won’t want to lose him for little in a few years time.

By cashing in now they can get anything they have their eyes on. A few years later, after still- likely- failing to win, they might lose Anthony for next to nothing.

It’s going to be a hard decision to make, but trading him- whether for Kevin Love or not- might just be the right thing to do for Phil Jackson’s Knicks.