Photo Credit: Associated Press

Carmelo Anthony Says Trade Rumors Are Getting To Him Mentally

During moments like these, you kind of have to feel bad for a 32-year-old superstar who spent parts of his prime accomplishing nothing in the win column.

Carmelo Anthony seemed to be New York’s beloved son when they acquired him six years ago from Denver and was looked upon to turn the franchise around. The New York Knicks relied on him to do anything he could to win.

Today, Knicks president Phil Jackson is hurrying to trade Anthony to build around sophomore star Kristaps Porzingis—a move that worries some New York fans.

After leading New York to a 110-107 victory over Charlotte on Friday night where Anthony’s clutch ability was in full effect knocking in a clutch fadeaway jumper, the 9x NBA All-Star admitted his frustration with the recent trade rumors.

“You’ve got to deal with that, even though I try not to read it, and everywhere you go, even if you don’t hear about it, somebody is telling you about it, somebody is saying something,” Anthony said, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.

“It can be mentally draining, mentally fatiguing.”

Three teams atop the trade rumors to acquire Anthony before the February 23, 2017 Trade Deadline are the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers. But, Cleveland and Boston have already rejected a trade offer from Knicks President Phil Jackson, while Los Angeles is willing to make a move, but without incorporating Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, or DeAndre Jordan in a deal.

Los Angeles is willing to use assets (draft picks) to acquire Carmelo Anthony or finding another team to work a three-team-deal.

The New York Knicks currently stand 11th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 21-27 record. Just two games back from the Chicago Bulls’ 8th spot, New York can still make a run.

Is it worth abandoning the 2016-17 season—while New York still has a chance—and trading away Carmelo Anthony?