Porzingis stresses Melo's importance to Knicks amid trade rumors

The New York Knicks, losers of 13 of their last 15 games, have shown they're likely still years away from being a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.

With Carmelo Anthony's name popping up in trade rumors, the team's current playoff drought could extend into the foreseeable future if the nine-time All-Star chooses to waive his no-trade clause this summer.

Rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis understands the risk of that possibility, and emphasized how important Anthony is to the Knicks' success.

"Obviously I wouldn't want to lose him," Porzingis said to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "He is who he is on our team. He's very special."

The Knicks rookie has been vocal about his admiration for Anthony throughout his rookie season, stating earlier in the year that he was happy to have him as a teammate.

"And we need him to do big things in the future, especially for me," Porzingis said. "I love playing alongside him, so that would obviously not be something that I want."

Anthony shot down trade rumors earlier this month upon speculation the Cleveland Cavaliers were interested in adding the 31-year-old. The Knicks, and Porzingis in particular, are likely hoping Anthony wants to stay in New York for years to come.