Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Power Ranking the Most Likely Places Melo Ends Up
Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of the biggest trade rumor hype since last summer. One of the premier talents in the NBA, many teams have coveted his services since it became widely known that Anthony wants out of Denver.
In the end, it would be foolish for the Nuggets management not to take any action. Otherwise, the franchise will lose its star player and get nothing in return.
This article breaks down some of the most likely places that Carmelo could end up based on salary cap restrictions and creating attractive scenarios for him. The scenarios have to be attractive for Anthony since he will only sign a contract extension if he likes where hen will end up.
Also included are approximate odds that Anthony ends up with these franchises.
Los Angeles Clippers
1 of 6
Carmelo Anthony may have a dream scenario of ending up with the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the premier NBA franchises. Of course, the sunny Southern California weather and glamour of Hollywood only adds to the aura.
But a trade to the Lakers seems unlikely, as any trade would likely require Andrew Bynum leaving, which is unlikely to happen.
This is where the Clippers fall into consideration. The Clippers have a lot of talent that the team can offer in order to get Anthony.
Chances are that the Nuggets would want a top talent in return. Figuring that Blake Griffin is not available, one can envision LA trading Eric Gordon for Carmelo Anthony.
This would give the Clippers a lineup that includes Eric Bledsoe and Baron Davis at the point, Carmelo at small forward and Blake Griffin and Chris Kaman up front.
While Griffin and Anthony could form an amazing duo, one thing hurts Anthony’s chances of approving such a trade: This is the LA Clippers we are talking about.
The Clippers represent a franchise that is synonymous with losing in professional sports. And there’s the curse of top draft picks coming to play with the team.
Now why would Anthony want to get himself into this situation?
Odds: 30:1
Golden State Warriors
2 of 6
The Golden State Warriors offer Carmelo a different opportunity to come to the Golden State. Unlike the Clippers, the Warriors have a richer history that includes three NBA championships and legends such as Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry.
Furthermore, the Warriors offer the Nuggets an attractive trade asset in Monta Ellis, one of the top scorers in the NBA. Such a trade could give the Nuggets a valuable piece in exchange for Anthony.
The resulting roster for Golden State could be quite attractive for Anthony, as he could become part of a formidable trio that includes David Lee and Stephen Curry. The team could still potentially have budding star Dorrell Wright either to start at shooting guard or as the first option off of the bench.
The problem with the Warriors is that the team needs better defense. As the team is near last in the NBA in points allowed, adding Anthony will help the Warriors’ offense but will do little to improve the defense.
From a team improvement standpoint, there seems to be little gained from the Warriors besides selling some extra seats.
Odds: 25:1
New Jersey Nets
3 of 6
The New Jersey Nets have been pursuing Carmelo Anthony quite aggressively this season. New owner Mikhail Prokhorov has made it no secret that he’d rather see Anthony playing for his Nets than the cross-town rivals the New York Knicks.
The Nets have a bunch of young talent that can be packaged in a trade, but the preferred option would include Troy Murphy—a player that the Nuggets may not necessarily want.
The team could also try to acquire Anthony via a multi-team scenario, as was reported back in September.
If Anthony were to agree to a trade with the Nets, he could form a talented young core that includes Brook Lopez and Devin Harris.
However, having turned down the deal in September, it seems unlikely that such a scenario will work out.
Odds: 15:1
New Orleans Hornets
4 of 6
After starting the season 8-0, the Hornets have seemingly forgotten how to play dominantly in posting a 10-12 record.
To make matters worse, the franchise has struggled over recent seasons in trying to fill up New Orleans Arena. The team’s financial woes have led to the NBA assuming ownership of the club this season with several investors eyeing the prospect of buying and moving the team.
There is no question that the Hornets can offer a decent package for Anthony. For example, the team can send Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to Denver in exchange for Carmelo and Chris Andersen.
The resulting core would include another impressive trio in Anthony, Chris Paul and David West.
While this could hurt the team’s defense, the Hornets would improve on offense, where the team currently ranks near last among the league.
While this could be attractive to both teams, the team would have to move to a more attractive venue than the lifeless New Orleans, a city that seems to care for no other professional team besides the beloved Saints.
One scenario that could entice Anthony to agree to a trade and extension would be if the Hornets came to Seattle, a rumor that has floated around given Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s supposed interest in the team.
If the Hornets move to an attractive market, there could be a decent chance that Carmelo will end up with the Hornets.
Odds: 10:1
Chicago Bulls
5 of 6
The Chicago Bulls seem like an organization that could be quite attractive for Carmelo Anthony. After all, the city of Chicago is a big market that can get Anthony the exposure he desires.
In addition, Melo can help carry on the Bulls’ legacy tradition that includes six NBA championships and perhaps the greatest dynasty during the 1990s.
One such scenario could be putting together a trade proposal that includes sending Luol Deng to Denver in exchange for Anthony.
Although not nearly as talented as Anthony, Deng could give Denver a valuable piece as opposed to the Nuggets getting nothing should no deal get done by the trade deadline.
As for Chicago, the team could rival the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat as the best team in the Eastern Conference with a core that includes Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. And with such a young core group, the Bulls could be among the strongest title contenders for years to come.
This scenario has to be attractive for Carmelo and thus one of the most likely destinations where he ends up.
Odds: 5:1
New York Knicks
6 of 6
Just a few weeks ago a story leaked on ESPN that Carmelo Anthony would only sign a contract extension with the New York Knicks. While this rumor might not be true, one has many reasons to believe that it may be accurate in describing Anthony’s feelings.
Many have speculated about Carmelo coming to the Knicks since last summer. New York offers Anthony the biggest market in the country and a chance for him to become the biggest basketball star since Patrick Ewing in the Big Apple.
Many scenarios could occur, but one possible trade could be sending Eddy Curry with his expiring contract along with Wilson Chandler in exchange for Carmelo.
This would give the Knicks a talented core of Amare Stoudemire, Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton. Similar to the Chicago Bulls scenario described previously, this core group could be one of the premier contenders in the league for the next five to six years.
It must be encouraging for Anthony to see the Knicks playing so well this season with their new-look roster. Stoudemire is playing like a legitimate MVP candidate, and Raymond Felton is playing like an All-Star.
Without a doubt, this has to be the most attractive scenario for Carmelo Anthony to end up with.
Odds: 3:1
.jpg?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Wild Adebayo Trade Idea 💡")
