NBA: Miami Heat at New York Knicks

New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

(Brad Penner/USA Today Sports)

When Carmelo Anthony trade rumors are brought up, the usual suspects typically dominate the conversation.

Teams like the Clippers, Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers are the teams Anthony is primarily connected to among fans and NBA talking heads. Here's one idea that doesn't involve those teams--and incorporates a Knicks rival.

Basketball Insiders' Tommy Beer came up with plausible trade scenarios for Anthony, including a deal that would send the 32-year-old to the Miami Heat this summer.

Here's what Beer wrote.

New York sends Carmelo Anthony to the Miami Heat in exchange for Justise Winslow and Josh McRoberts.

This would only be possible once the Heat cleared Chris Bosh's salary off their books. It also assumes McRoberts exercises his $6 million player option for 2017-18.

Miami was rightfully ecstatic when Winslow fell to them at No. 10 in the 2015 draft. He was immediately viewed as a cornerstone piece for the franchise. However, his first two NBA seasons have not gone according to plan. He appeared in only 18 games during the 2017-18 campaign before a torn labrum in his right shoulder ended his season prematurely. In the 18 contests he played in, Winslow shot 35.6 percent from the floor, 20.0 percent from three-point territory and 61.7 percent from the free throw line. All that said, he is still only 21 years of age and projects as a terrific perimeter defender with a high basketball IQ.

Nevertheless, might Pat Riley be tempted to trade his prized youngster for a player that would be able to provide significant help right away. The HEAT went 30-11 over their final 41 games last season. The Golden State Warriors (33-9) were the only team in the entire league to tally more victories over the second half of the season. The HEAT have to believe they are close to being a real threat in the East. Miami would be able to trot out a starting five that included Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Anthony, and Hassan Whiteside, with Tyler Johnson coming off the bench. The issue for Miami is that they would not only have to part with Winslow, but they'd also have to use most of their coveted cap space to absorb Melo's contract.

Winslow hasn't been a star for Miami, but this feels like a no-brainer for the Knicks. Plus, Pat Riley is always chasing stars in South Beach.

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