Carmelo Anthony’s move from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks is renowned as one of the most significant trades in recent basketball history. However, Anthony recently disclosed that his trajectory almost took a different turn.
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Appearing on The Why with Dwyane Wade, Anthony shared insights into the near completion of a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011 before ultimately landing with the Knicks.
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According to Anthony, the Nuggets had initially agreed to a deal with the Lakers, involving him and Nenê in exchange for Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum.
Carmelo Anthony Speculated That The Trade To Los Angeles Fell Through
This deal was nearly finalized, diverting Anthony’s attention away from New York.
Anthony speculated that the trade to Los Angeles fell through because the Nuggets were reluctant to face him in the playoffs, preferring to send him to the Eastern Conference instead.
Expressing his initial surprise at the direction of the trade, Anthony revealed that the Nuggets had initially eyed the New Jersey Nets as the potential trade partner during the All-Star Weekend.
Carmelo Anthony Led The Team To Multiple Playoff Appearances
Ultimately, Anthony was traded to the Knicks, receiving Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and draft picks in return, marking a significant turning point in his career.
During his tenure with the Knicks, Anthony led the team to multiple playoff appearances, although he fell short of taking them to the Finals. Nonetheless, he provided Knicks fans with memorable moments, notably his career-high 62-point game at Madison Square Garden in 2014.
Transitioning roles in the latter stages of his career, Anthony’s final season was with the Lakers in 2021-22.
Reflecting on what could have been, Anthony’s revelation sparks speculation among fans about the potential partnership with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles during his prime.
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