NBA Trade Rumors: The Melo-Drama Ends...Finally

Well, it's about time.

The New York Knicks finally pulled off a trade that reunites them with their former first-round pick, Renaldo Balkman.

Oh, and they acquired some guy named Carmelo Anthony as a throw-in.

Carmelo Anthony is now a member of the New York Knicks. Though they traded three starters and a highly-used bench player, the Knicks got their man.

As a Nets fan, this whole process was brutal.

The Nets went from being the likely destination, to removing themselves from the sweepstakes altogether, to recently reentering the contest, and even re-emerging as a likely destination at one point.

However, it was clear from the outset that Melo wanted nothing to do with the Nets.

He may say that now, but give the Nets a few seasons and we'll see what he says.

The Nets are the verge of competing in the Eastern Conference. Melo would have been the missing link. If he came to New Jersey/Brooklyn, other soon-to-be free agents like Deron Williams or Chris Paul may have joined him.

I certainly wish Melo lots of luck in the Big Apple. It's a tough place to play, no doubt.

As for the Nets, I hope they put up a few good wins over the second half of the season and make a play for a big free agent.

Obviously, we have seen that Travis Outlaw isn't exactly the answer.

The Nets do have the makings of one of the best benches in the NBA, consisting of Kris Humphries, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic.

They just need a consistent scorer to compliment Brook Lopez and Devin Harris.

I wouldn't mind if the Nets acquire Wilson Chandler or Danilo Gallinari from the Nuggets or even Rudy Fernandez of the Trailblazers. I would like to see them hold onto Derrick Favors and Devin Harris, however.