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.

Talk of the Town

You heard them boo in the NBA Draft a few years ago in 2008 when they had the number six overall pick and selected Danilo Gallinari out of Italy, now they're setting themselves up for an even bigger disappointment. New Yorkers woke up last Monday morning, only to find LeBron James on the front cover of the New York Post with a Knicks jersey on. The picture was photo shopped of coarse, but folks in the big apple like to think James will be donning a Knickerbockers uniform next season when he will officially be available on the market as a free agent. But if being in the spotlight of NYC wasn't attractive enough, maybe a cast of new young talent will attract the reigning MVP.

Nearing the NBA trade deadline, the Knicks have freed up tons of cap space and have created an environment fit for a king. Given LeBron goes by the moniker 'King James', if you could picture the six-time NBA All-Star anywhere away from his native Ohio, New York has got to be the place. If the Knicks were to acquire James, it would be likely he would be accompanied by another marquee free agent to be, such as Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh. Then again chances are just as likely we can see both Bosh and Wade playing alongside one another at Madison Square Garden. Also, with T-Mac's recent comments about taking a pay cut to play next season in his new home of NY, don't rule McGrady out of the mix either. Either way you look at it, the Knicks organization has got to be feeling pretty confident they'll be in contention and have some winning product on the court come next season.

I know the 2009-2010 NBA season has just reached it's midway point, but the story of the offseason is going to be where James will call home in 2011. My guess is James will stay put in Cleveland, and I think that would be his best fit considering he made a team that was virtually nothing prior to his arrival, into a championship caliber team. But as we've all grown to know, expect the unexpected when it comes to sports. If sporting a Yankees hat at a Cleveland Indians playoff game wasn't a big enough hint, appearing on stage and kicking it with Jay-Z who just about runs New York, puts any doubt of James not playing in the big city to rest. Regardless, it's going to be just as talked about and almost as annoying as the offseason Brett Favre updates, minus the repetitive retirement rumors. Now if only the Knicks were the Yankees of basketball...

A.I.'s One Night Stand

The relationship between Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies has come to an early end and seemed to be over before it even started, as Memphis waived Iverson and terminated his contract, just last week. In the off season, Iverson was in pursuit of finding a suitor that wouldn't mind hiring him as the everyday starter. Instead, Iverson was coming off the bench and was again displeased with the decision made by the team and coach, resulting in his departure from the team for "personal reasons".

The former NBA MVP and 4-time scoring champion was linked to a potential deal with the New York Knicks before his signing with Memphis and after his departure. However the Knicks made it more than clear over the weekend, that the team had no intent on adding Iverson. Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Iverson would come in and play 40 minutes a game, taking time away from others that are in need of time on the court to continue their growth. With New York no longer in the Iverson sweepstakes, the question now being asked, is has A.I.'s illustrious career in the NBA come to an end? Sure many teams could use his ability to score points, but will teams be willing to start Iverson and hurt the development of their future?