From Instagram shenanigans to a sport-changing trade?

For the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, a Carmelo Anthony blockbuster is a big topic among fans in both cities--and NBA fans ready to talk about the next big deal this week.

If--and it's a big if--the Celtics decide to part ways with a slew of assets to land another star, Anthony makes sense for a team with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Here's why.

-It's time for the Knicks to move on from Anthony.

The marriage is over, and will only get worse from here. If the Knicks don't move Anthony before the trade deadline, the idea of dragging these rumors out into the summer won't help. In fact, it can hurt the franchise's pursuit of stars in free agency.

-Boston can give the roster a chance to dethrone Cleveland in the East.

With the Cavs banged up and forcing LeBron James to play intense minutes, this will be the most vulnerable Cleveland team in years. The Celtics--with an outside shot to surpass Cleveland and vault into the No. 1 seed in the East--should take advantage.

A Melo-to-Boston trade keeps the scorer out of Cleveland and gives All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas some help.

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-Deal likely wouldn't take the best of Boston's assets.

Boston's future draft pick list is substantial. The Atlantic Division rivals can likely find a middle ground on a deal (2018 Nets pick or 2019 Grizzlies pick, along with players) without the 2017 Nets pick swap leaving the Celtics' hands. That kind of return is likely better than anything the Clippers are offering.

While the basketball world waits for Boston to cash everything in for one franchise-changing star, there's some real merit to taking Antony off the Knicks' hands now.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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