Carmelo Anthony: Reasons Why He Should Stay, Reasons Why He Shouldn't

As a Nuggets fan, almost everyone is aware of the controversy that has gripped the Nuggets locker room about Carmelo Anthony and whether he will or will not sign the extension presented to him by the Nuggets' brass. Early on, it appears that Carmelo would not sign the extension and would either go to the Knicks, Nets, or now Los Angeles. Lately, though, it appears that Carmelo is wavering on his decision to either stay or go. According to Sean Merriman, a featured columnist here on Bleacher Report, he has stated that he would be "willing to stay put and sign the three-year, $65 million dollar contract deal if he isn't dealt by the trade deadline." (Read more at http://bleacherreport.com/articles/604311-carmelo-anthony-trade-rumors-10-reasons-not-to-sign-denver-nuggets-extension) Why the supposed change of heart? No one but Carmelo is certain for sure. As I am writing this article, I can't help but have "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by the Clash in my head, but oh well, c'est la vie. Regardless of what Anthony's final decision will be, here for your perusal, dear reader, is three reasons why he should stay, and three reasons why he should not.  

Stay: He Is The Franchise Player In Denver

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 10: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Dallas Mavericks during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 121-

The fact of the matter is, Carmelo is the franchise player in Denver hands down. The whole entire reason that Denver is able to contend and be a playoff team is because of Carmelo's talents. If he stays in Denver, he can have the spotlight all to himself. 

Go: He Is The Franchise Player In Denver

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on as he warms up for the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center on January 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 107-97. NOTE TO USE

Carmelo desires more talent around him than he has, which is one of the reasons why he is considering leaving the Denver Nuggets. He is not content to just "carry the team"; he wants to contend for a championship. The situation is much like the Lions in the NFL and the fact that they basically were complacent and let Barry Sanders be the whole entire team and did not make an effort to build around him and contend for a Super Bowl. Carmelo does not desire to be in a Barry Sanders-type of situation. 

Stay: The Future

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DENVER - APRIL 30: Brent Barry #17 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at the Pepsi Center on April 30, 2007 in Denver, Colorad

For Denver to even have a chance to even come close to being in the NBA Finals again, Carmelo Anthony must stay in a Nuggets jersey. Now, a lot of this hinges on the Nuggets building a team around him, but, if they would agree to do so, why not stay?  

Go: The Future

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 2: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets appears dejected during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 2, 2005 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Nuggets defeated the Blazers 103-97. NOTE TO USER: User ex

As others have suggested, there is not enough talent on this Denver team for them to have a bright, contending-type of future. For a team to be able to win championships, they must have a lot of young talent, and this Nuggets team does not possess that. If Denver does agree to get him to stay, they must commit to recruiting young talent through the draft and through free agency and trades. 

Stay: The Collective Bargaining Agreement

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PHOENIX - APRIL 13: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets stands with teammates before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on April 13, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 123-101. NOTE TO USER: User expres

Carmelo is guaranteed to get a 3-year, $65 Million extension and all he has to do is sign on the dotted line. If he refuses to sign an extension with the team, he could risk earning significantly less money for his skills after the new CBA is in place. 

Go: The Collective Bargaining Agreement

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PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 2: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets appears dejected during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 2, 2005 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The Nuggets defeated the Blazers 103-97. NOTE TO USER: User ex

Since the new CBA rules are likely to trim down the earning potential for NBA stars, why not see if he could get a team to give him more than $65 Million? The fact of the matter is, this is likely to be the last large contract he will get in his career, why not make the most of it with a team in a larger market? 

Conclusion: The Man Should Make a Decision Already!

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 07: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets watches on against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

When its all said and done, Carmelo really needs to make a decision and stick with it. As a Denver fan, I too hope he stays in Denver. But his indecisiveness is not endearing him to anyone in Denver, nor is it endearing him to anyone with a large-market team either. Once again, "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by the Clash is playing in my head. This is a going to be an interesting next couple of months.