The Wait Is Over, Melo's a Knick

After nearly a year of speculation revolving a possible trade that would involve Nuggets Forward Carmello Anthony, Denver finally decided to part ways with the 4-time All-Star, sending him to the New York Knicks. In fear of losing their star player to free agency and getting nothing in return like the Cavs and Raptors did when both LeBron James and Chris Bosh ditched their teams for the sunny beaches of Miami, Denver realized their slim chances of re-signing Anthony and decided to pull the trigger. Headlining the blockbuster three-team, 14 player trade, Melo and Nuggets point-guard Chauncey Billups were packaged to the Knicks along with Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, a 2014 first-round pick, two second-round picks and $3 Million.

Also in the mix were the Minnesota Timberwolves who sent Corey Brewer to the big apple and received Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph. The Knicks who haven't been relevant in the playoffs since Patrick Ewing graced the hardwood, are hoping Carmelo is the final piece to their puzzle. Though they may not be title contenders this year, talks of acquiring another marquee player via free agency this offseason have already begun, including the possibility of signing PG Chris Paul which could very well put them among the leagues best. However, I think addressing the need of a big man would be their biggest concern considering they depleted their young crop of talent in the process of landing Carmelo, leaving Ronny Turiaf to start at center.

Not to be forgotten in the trade, is the former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups who's been somewhat overshadowed by the super stardom of Anthony. Less than 24 hours after news broke of the former Nuggets being shipped out east, Knicks tickets sales began to skyrocket, sending a craze throughout Gotham city. Fresh off the plane and into the conference room, Amar'e Stoudemire was the first to greet his new teammates before taking the floor. Carmelo, a Brooklyn native and Syracuse alum was introduced to a thunderous applause by the New York faithful inside of Madison Square Garden and lit up the court against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks in his Knicks debut, scoring 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds in route to a 114-108 victory. As for the other guy if you wanna call him that, Billups put up 21 points and 8 assists.

Having beat the mediocre Bucks, the Knicks (29-26) will face a true test on Feb. 27, when they head to south beach to take on D-Wade and the Heat. As for Denver, Melo's absence will most likely end any hopes of the Nuggets returning to their second Western Conference Finals in three years, however, chances are their current record of 34-25 will keep them in the playoff picture come mid-April.