Denver Nuggets: The Answer, or Melo?

The Denver Nuggets are now in need of some major offseason moves. With their first-round exit to Lakers. it's obvious that they really need some defense to join this squad. I'm going to go over possible options for trades that the Nuggets have with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony

Rescently we've been hearing a lot of trade rumors involving Anthony. There were talks with the Nets, and more recently, rumors surrounding the Pistons.

The trade with the Nets focused on a switch between Anthony and Jefferson, also involving Anthony Carter and rising point guard Marcus Williams.

The Nuggets benefit from this trade by gaining a solid point guard with great potential, something that they are lacking. Also, Jefferson is a much better defender then Carmelo is, and averages similar numbers to what Carmelo does.

Then, there's the trade with the Detroit Pistons.

This is the one that intrigues me the most. Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince for Carmelo Anthony. Right there, both of the Nuggets' problems are answered, as they gain perimeter defense (and great height) from Prince, and a solid, experienced point guard in Billups.

However, this trade would leave Denver at a point where their team would not be set for the future, with Allen Iverson and Chauncy Billups already showing signs of age. Another downside might be the lack of offense for the Nuggets. But considering a line up of:

Point Guard - Chauncy Billups

Shooting Guard - Allen Iverson

Small Forward - Tayshaun Prince

Power Forward- Kenyon Martin/Nene

Center - Marcus Camby

Backing them up would be J.R. Smith, who's a great offensive outburst off the bench, and also Linas Klieza, who had a great last season.

Allen Iverson

There aren't many trade rumors involving Iverson, but there is one that comes to mind. The Nuggets offered Allen Iverson to the Pistons in return for Chauncy Billups and Tayshaun Prince.

Now that would look like this: Billups at point, Smith at the shooting guard, small forward would be Carmelo, power forward would either be Martin or Nene, and center would be Camby, with Prince coming off the bench.

Honestly, I don't see this bunch getting anywhere. The starting five would still lack too much defense with this build.

In my opinion, I think that the Nuggets should keep Iverson and trade away Carmelo. Even if Carmelo is young right now, he is not helping his team in any way. Right now, Iverson is the heart of this Denver Nuggets team. He never quits and will never give up in a game.

During the Lakers series, Carmelo was quoted to giving up in the third quarter of the game. That's not someone I want being the face of this team.

What do you guys think?