Can money buy happiness? If you’re the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks, the answer is no.
The Nets have the league’s highest payroll, while the Knicks rank second.
The combined exorbitant payroll has produced a deflating 18-38 record and proven any championship aspirations were merely a pipe dream.
Ironically, speaking of the pipe, J.R. Smith was the first Knick to panic back when the team was only 3-8 at the time. Now, it appears Smith’s anxiety was warranted.
Thanks to injuries, a lack of chemistry and a subsequent lack of identity, the outlook for both teams is bleak for the rest of this season and the following season, too.
Therefore, it’s time for both organizations to make a critical decision – it’s time to begin rebuilding each roster.
The most immediate roster shakeup may come in New York, where Carmelo Anthony has the Knicks in the palm of his negotiating hand.
Anthony is an unrestricted free agent this summer and will be one of the most coveted players on the market, commanding a maximum-level contract.
Anthony leads the league in minutes per game (39.4) and shots per game (20.85). Furthermore, Anthony is second in shots made per game (9.3) and scoring average (26.26).
The scoring burden has weighed heavily on Anthony as the only player in the league to lead his team in points scored in every game he has played.
Last season, J.R. Smith was the Robin to Anthony’s Batman as the Sixth Man of the Year. However, this season has been a nightmare for Smith as he has struggled mightily from the field (.347). Check out his shot chart:
To make matters worse, Andrea Bargnani has struggled when paired with Tyson Chandler and Anthony in coach Woodson’s big lineup.
Chandler, a former Defensive Player of the Year, provides poor floor spacing on offense. Conversely, Bargnani is the weakest defensive link while rebounding at the league’s worst rate for a starting forward (5.14).
In addition, Iman Shumpert has failed to take the next step in his development amid constant trade rumors and has lashed out at the media in times of frustration.
Raymond Felton has dealt with injury and fitness issues all season, which has dramatically reduced his production and earned him a dubious spot on the Sports Illustrated All-Atrocious Team.
If you’re Anthony, and truly committed to winning a championship in your prime, how can you come back to such a flawed team with no cap space and draft picks to rebuild around until the summer of 2015?
(RELATED: Knicks salaries and draft pick overview)
New York has two options:
1. Keep Anthony and re-sign him to a maximum-level contract hoping to make another attempt at a title with him as the focal point and cap space available in the summer of 2015, when Amar’e Stoudemire comes off the books.
2. Trade Anthony before the deadline and unload a moderately bad contract or two, such as Smith or Felton in the process, for a reduced package in return. Felton and Smith occupy valuable cap space when the team will try to land top free agents during the summer of 2015. Or, dangle Anthony as trade bait for a borderline lottery pick in this summer’s draft to a team stuck in neutral with cap space (Lakers, Mavericks, etc.) that can absorb a his contract for next season with an extension. If you want to reach for the stars after learning Anthony plans to leave, the Knicks can attempt to acquire Blake Griffin in a sign-and-trade agreement and finally unite Anthony with Chris Paul as they toasted to years ago.