Who would be more likely to stay after the season, Howard or Deron Wlliams?
It's crazy that a max contract on a broken horse like Amare isn't one of their two biggest problems right now. I even think Linsanity is a bad thing at this point for them. If the Knicks even considered trading him - instant backlash. Melo is on the hot seat far sooner than he would have been because of it also. Not that it isn't warranted, but it's simply high tension in NY with very little wiggle room. I don't even blame Anthony for requesting out if it's true. He doesn't fit the system. The scrutiny is too immediate and high-pressured to be productive, when trying to figure out the system and the team has no direction. More importantly they have no direction for him.
In a fantasy world, I would fix the Knicks like this: Melo for Deron. In a heartbeat. Yeah, it's redundant with Lin, but here's a guy who's track record says he improves his teams. Lin can ride the bench. I think Howard is unrealistic and DWill is more likely to stay if the rest of this year is a success.
I don't think a mistake prone, false messiah is their answer. He's a kid who had some success in D'antoni's system (and only D'antoni's system) and is sharply coming back to earth. Talented, but a development project, not a hero trotting in on a horse. New York can't have it both ways, do you want to win now (seems like they do) or live in Lin fantasy world? So long to the Baron, Lin to a backup role, Melo headache eliminated, DWill lays the blueprint for future success. Lin could always step in if DWill leaves in the offseason, and that money could go elsewhere.
Coaching change isn't fixing shit, you need to admit failure and change up your core. Now you improve your defense at the point and SF position, as well as add an All-Star talent known for team play that can produce anyway you need him to.
Nets meanwhile weren't getting back Deron unless Howard was heading there in the summer. Which is a possibility, and the only reason I can imagine keeping Deron. Otherwise the dudes bolting. Carmelo wants to be there and is already signed for three years, not a bad piece to hold on to if you're the Nets.
Joe Johnson for Melo would be just wonderful
Anytime you can have half of the 2005 Suns for two max contracts, you have to do it.