NBA Trade Rumors: Tyson Chandler To Dallas! Phil Jackson Trading Carmelo's Favorite Teammate! Is This The End Of The Melo Era In The Big Apple?

The offseason can start with a major trade one day before the draft. The New York Knicks have next to nothing in terms of trade assets and Carmelo Anthony is already opting out. Phil Jackson has to do the next best thing.

It's another win-now team trading with a rebuilding team. The Dallas Mavericks, who have a lot of cap space but less optimism, is using the trading route to fortify its team. It is seeking to make-up for one of its biggest blunders: letting Tyson Chandler go after they won their 2011 championship.

The trade in principle from CBS Sports:

"Mavericks get: Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton

Knicks get: Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalebert, Shane Larkin, No. 34 and No. 51 in the draft. Huge haul for New York who sheds long-term salary but picks up 2015 salary (when they're reportedly going to pursue Kevin Durant) and adds two picks in a deep draft."

Of course, we must address the proverbial 'elephant in the room.' That is Carmelo Anthony.

It is mentioned by NBC Sports in its analysis:

"It should be noted that Chandler is one of Anthony's better friends on the Knicks roster.

As laid out this is a trade-off on the court for New York. On one hand, while Chandler had a rough last season he is still one of the NBA's better rim protecting big men. They will miss his presence inside. However at the point Calderon is an upgrade over Felton - the triangle needs three point shooters and Calderon does that (44.9 percent last season), plus is a low turnover guy. Calderon plays smart, but is used to having the ball in his hands more, it will be an adjustment. Felton struggled last season in just about every way, so there is some addition by subtraction there.

Plus the Knicks get Wayne Ellington and more importantly Shane Larkin, who has promise."

The point is, the Knicks might be waving the white flag on Anthony. Other perceive it as a way for the Knicks to shed salary-but that will still not give them flexibility to make a run this season, which is what Anthony reportedly wants-to win.

Meanwhile, Dallas, a known Melo suitor, just took his best friend from the Knicks roster.

The plot thickens as the deal is already finalized :

Sam Dalembert and Jose Calderon NY-bound in proposed deal, which is "a go," one source says.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 25, 2014