The New York Knicks improved this season and perhaps it is time to kill the rumors regarding All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony leaving via a trade deal. 

Last season when the Knicks won only 17 games, there were reports and rumors suggesting that to end the franchise's problems, dealing away Anthony is the solution. 

But as New York starts to rise this 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) season under the leadership of a thriving Anthony and an emerging rookie in Kristaps Porzingis, the rumors are slowly starting to fade. 

This season, Anthony is averaging 21.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and four assists in 34.6 minutes of action in 42 regular season games played. 

Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract. This means the Knicks could not easily ship him to another team without his consent. 

But because of his performance this season, Basketball Insiders reported that the Knicks are not even looking to convince him to consider a trade because they like what they are seeing. 

The report suggested that maybe the addition of the right point guard either via a trade deal or during the free agency will change the Knicks to playoff contenders or even championship aspirants. 

Recently, the Knicks were linked to a number of point guards, especially the Detroit Pistons' Brandon Jennings, because they are reportedly searching for backcourt help. 

But regarding Anthony, the All-Star will likely stay with New York for a long time as he remains to be a key piece for the team's rebuilding phase. 

Unfortunately, the Knicks are currently on a three-game losing slump and are 10th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 22–25 record. 

The Knicks will have to leave the comfort of Madison Square Garden when they return to action this Thursday taking on the second best team in the East, the Toronto Raptors (30–15).