NBA Trade Rumors: The Latest on Carmelo Anthony Rumors

After the way Dwight Howard completely dominated the Lakers, it is probably safe to say Carmelo Anthony is not going to make his way to LA. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum were unable to handle Howard on either end of the court.

The dominant play of Howard with Bynum and Gasol on the court has to make the Lakers wonder what would have happened if their services were not available down low. Odds are any trade proposal put together to acquire Anthony would involve Andrew Bynum leaving town.

Anthony creates mismatches that make him an asset to any basketball team. Too big for a three, too athletic for a four, Anthony is difficult to match up against.

The Lakers may be out of the running, but Anthony is still on the trade block. The Nets originally said they were out of the Melo sweepstakes, but could find themselves back in. The Nets have a struggling basketball team with talented, movable pieces.

It is clear that the Nets need to shake up their roster. Devin Harris and Derrick Favours could be coupled with a pick and draw serious consideration for an Anthony package deal. It could be a solid move for both teams. Fans would start coming to watch the Nets and the Nuggets could in turn obtain a crop of young talent.

The front runner in obtaining Anthony could very well be the New York Knicks. Anthony has shown an interest in playing in his hometown and could join another super star in Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire will likely be the only untouchable asset in the trade and the Knicks will be expected to part ways with a number of young prospects and potentially a first round pick.

Many outlets are saying Anthony talks are heating up, but that is inevitable only because the trade deadline is quickly approaching. At this point, it's anyone's game. We have seen too often an anticlimactic finish to speculation of this sort. Don't be surprised to see February 24th come and go, with Anthony remaining in Denver.