Melo ain't going to a rebuilding team (what's the point in trading him then, he could just stay with the knicks) so it'd have to be a fringe contender or contender.

Those teams aren't ripe with young assets that they'd trade for Melo. The BEST Phil would get (knowing he can't actively send Melo to a wack team) is a combo of picks, young talent and expiring deals.

Taj + Kirk = off the books within 2 seasons, Kirk next summer, Taj after that (and he's a serviceable vet that can help their younger players)
Doug = #11 pick in the 2014 draft
Draft pick

^^^Satisfies all 3. If he doesn't want Taj for 2 years, a 3rd team could be pulled in to take him, that could move a few young assets NY's way (though phil might have to eat a bad contract to make it work, but not one as big as Melos). Boston, Phx, Orl, Utah, Minny are all viable options.

>Phil isn't just gonna hand 25+ PPG to the Bulls. He would ask
>for all reasonable long-term assets in exchange for the
>win-now asset. Taj, Kirk, and Niko isn't enough, so you just
>won't get him.

1. Suck with Melo - 31 yr old, 22 mil player or
2. Suck rebuilding - couple expiring deals (as soon as cap expands), couple young assets and maybe a few more

^^^Option 2 makes more sense

>They can *easily* get more for Melo from a different team. You
>either want to win now, or you don't. None of the guys I named
>are win-now difference makers. You could deal them all,
>replace the depth with vet min guys, and be an immediate
>contender in the East.

From who? Where Melo wouldn't have the same issue he's having now with NY? You think he really gonna be happy playing for the Kings? Wolves? Magic? Lakers (maybe only because of the $/business opportunities but what would LA have/be willing to give up)?

Melo could realistically only go to a handful of teams:

Bulls - Already expressed interest and we were his runner up choice...and we have some assets to pass out.
Clippers - Perfect need, CP3 too...but again...assets for the Knicks?
Wizards - Would be the perfect transition from Pierce...but who/what do they sacrifice to get him?
Heat - He'd get them 'close' but Wade's knees would cripple them and what do they give up for him?
Grizz - Could work, not sure they are interested though
Rockets - Could work but would there be enough shots to go around and what do they give up...D-mo and Terrence Jones?
Mavs - Wouldn't be strong enough to win WITH him
Spurs - Don't need him
Warriors - Don't want him

>Noah's window is closing. Pau's window is closing. Phil
>wouldn't facilitate that process for Taj (a role player), Kirk
>(an old role player), and Niko (a potential guy).

^^^Starting caliber vet/Cap, Cap and young asset

He's not getting much more than that for Melo.

Sorry.