Report: Knicks Exec Pushing to Trade Carmelo Anthony

According to the NY Daily News, a member of Knicks owner James Dolan’s inner circle is pushing for the team trade away Carmelo Anthony — reasons being financial, and basketball-related — but he’ll have a hard time convincing the guy in charge to pull the trigger: “Part of that thinking is Jeremy Lin’s meteoric rise from anonymous bench warmer to international phenomenon. ‘Linsanity’ has created a financial windfall for the Knicks unlike anything they’ve seen before. The second-year point guard is a one-man money making machine for the Garden, which is experiencing a significant spike in ticket sales, ratings and merchandise since Lin became a household name in early February. There is a feeling inside the organization that it makes business, and to a lesser degree basketball sense, to severe ties with Anthony, the perennial All Star who has struggled since returning from a groin injury. The Knicks are 2-8 with Anthony back in the lineup including a six game losing streak. The source would not reveal the name of the executive pushing to trade Anthony but the Daily News has learned that Anthony still has two formidable allies in his corner; Dolan, the Chairman of Madison Square Garden and MSG President Scott O’Neil, who both played significant roles in bringing Anthony to New York. According to a source, Dolan is not ready to give up on his signature acquisition. In fact, Dolan has let it be known that he does not intend to move any of his top players prior to Thursday’s trading deadline. ‘He said he’s not trading anyone,’ said the source, with direct contact with Dolan. ‘He said it’s up to the coach to figure it out.'”