Carmelo Anthony Trade Wouldn’t Make Knicks Instant Contenders, But Is Correct Long-Term Move

There are two things we know for certain. One, Carmelo Anthony wants to go to the New York Knicks, and two, that Knicks management is intent on bringing in Carmelo Anthony. And in the coming days, we might see both sides get their way.

But there's also reason to believe that within the Knicks' organization, there are a few dissenters wondering if this is really such a good idea.

Carmelo is obviously good, but how good is he? Is he worth trading away your whole team?

The Knicks are prepared to give away a king's ransom to land the Nuggets' star. Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Timofey Mozgov could all be headed to the Mile High City in a Melo megadeal. The new-look Knicks would be built around Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo, Chauncey Billups, and perhaps a few other Denver spare parts.

Is that really wise?

Well, no, not in the short term. There's no way the Knicks can sell off 80 percent of their lineup and be a true title contender right away.

But this isn't about the short term. This is about building the Knicks into a juggernaut that can compete for titles for years to come.

Amar'e will be in the Big Apple through 2015. The Knicks signed him to a five-year, $100 million max contract last summer.

Carmelo, if he gets his way, will be around for a while as well. The extension he's been mulling over is for three years and $65 million.

Then in 2012, there will be all kinds of goodies available on the open market. Chris Paul and Deron Williams will both be free agents, and the Knicks will have cash to throw around.

Carmelo isn't a good fit on the Knicks at this very moment. You put him and Amar'e together, and you're stuck with two forwards who can't play defense and aren't great playmakers.

But down the road, the Knicks will find the pieces to build around their two stars. They'll find a defense-first big man to protect the rim. They'll find a lock-down wing defender. They'll find a point guard who can get the job done at both ends.

The NBA is about stars — you land the big names first, and you figure out the rest later. That's how you win in this league.

The Knicks are getting their stars aligned first. It won't make them title contenders in 2011, but that doesn't mean they're wrong to pull the trigger. They're building for the big picture.

What do you think? Does Carmelo Anthony fit with the Knicks? Share your thoughts below.