Carmelo Anthony: Top 10 Reasons He'll Change His Mind and Stay In Denver
Apparently the NBA is rewriting the employer/employee handbook. That, or the league's media insiders are peddling an unlicensed copy.
There have been multiple stories of NBA stars (but still, employees) demanding trades this summer, but the question of who's authoring those stories is an intriguing one.
After Chris Paul's demands fell on deaf ears in New Orleans, it appeared the trend was more hype than, you know, actually happening. I.e., just because LeBron James (an unrestricted free agent) got his shiny new bike doesn't mean all of his slightly disgruntled, under-contract friends could get their wishes, too.
Now, with Carmelo Anthony reportedly seeking a quick exit from Denver, we're again left to ascertain the veracity of the rumor. Obviously it makes for great TV, but is it at all consistent with what's happening in the Nuggets' front office?
With that query in mind, allow me to play devil's advocate to the media's trade-mongering. Here are 10 reasons why Anthony will not leave Denver before (or after) his contract expires in 2011.
10: The Nuggets Won't Make It Easy
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The funny thing about these "invaluable superstar-wants-out" stories is that they often totally disregard the player's existing team. It's like someone toasting at Melo's wedding, "So 'Melo, which one of these bride's maids are you going after tonight?" All while La-La sits at the head table, wondering how Ric Bucher got into her wedding anyway.
Granted, if he's sure to leave after this season, the Nuggets would benefit from trading him first. But consider that they might not be such wimps about it.
Maybe Denver will make a different kind of trade this season, bolstering Anthony's supporting cast and proving to him they're Serious About Winning. Their season could take a similar shape to that of the Cavaliers this past season. Only with better point guards.
9: Melo's Financial Incentive to Stay
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The NBA's collective bargaining agreement expires after this season. If Anthony wants to ink a new deal without treading uncharted CBA territory, it's in his interest to sign an extension with the Nuggets.
Many sources have already ruled out the prospect of an extension, but again: remember CP3?
8: Loyalty Will Make a Comeback
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Right now betrayal is curiously in vogue, as the NBA's elite strive earnestly to out-douche one another. It seems like guys aren't on the guest list unless they've publicly humiliated a hard-luck American city.
But if 'Melo hangs around through the start of next season, he might witness a sea change in the way loyalty is valued in the NBA. Watching the malevolent force that is the Miami Heat, he might decide to join Chris Paul and Kevin Durant in an antithetical movement: playing for your team that isn't the same as your buddies' team.
7: You Can't Always Get What You Want
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Anthony reportedly wants to play for the Knicks. Given his affinity for the area and the team's overall cachet, I can understand why.
But has he seen who's running the Knicks? Does he really want to play for an owner as inept as James Dolan?
Indeed, Dolan's ineptitude might be the reason Melo-to-NY won't happen. The Knicks simply don't have the pieces to make a trade work. Having already forfeited their draft picks until something like 2030, New York would have a hard time assembling a package that would make the Nuggets bite.*
*Especially if they're unwilling to give up Gallinari. Really, guys? He's that valuable?
6: It's Not Like They're a Bad Team
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Although freshest on Anthony's mind is last year's first-round playoff exit, let's not forget how close Denver has been to real success. They were only four games out of first place in the Western conference last year, and played in the conference finals the year before.
Chauncey Billups is aging, but Ty Lawson is too — in a good way. J.R. Smith could seemingly flip a switch at any moment and enter the league's upper echelon. Al Harrington was a sneaky off-season pick-up who could fit in nicely as a sixth or seventh man.
Oh, and you know who else is aging? Kobe Bryant. The Lakers can't stay on top forever; does 'Melo really want to forfeit the chase?
5: Chris Andersen Might Seriously Lose It
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Seriously.
4: A Super-Team In Denver?
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Anthony's isn't the Nuggets' only expiring contract.
A quick look their salary cap reveals a potential storyline for next summer should Anthony decide to stay: Much of Denver's roster will be off the books then, allowing the Nuggets to sign more than just 'Melo in the forthcoming years. That could mean ideal running-mates Tony Parker or Chris Paul.
The option of playing host to a "super-team," rather than joining one elsewhere, would certainly be attractive for Anthony.
3: LeBron Stole His and Everyone Else's Thunder
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How is anyone supposed to decide anything after "The Decision"? Better off just quietly signing an extension nowadays.
I'm sure it torments Anthony that no announcement of his could rival the spectacle of LeBron's. The guy took the perfect name ("The Decision"), the perfect host (national treasure Jim Gray) and the perfect beard (neck).
I can see it now: Anthony, reading an acrostic poem to the city of Denver, wishing he had just stayed instead of filming "The Melo-Drama" with host Richard Karn, live from a high school natatorium. D is for the doubt he feels about leaving...
2: He Said He'd Return To Syracuse And Then Totally Did
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Whoops. Looks like I screwed that up. Turns out he said he'd return to Syracuse and then totally bailed.
But I really don't think the two situations (now vs. then) are comparable, and 'Melo seems like an all-around good guy. Most of us would've bailed if we could be drafted in the top three and had just won a national championship. (It's hard for me to speculate, since I've only done one of those things.)
Moreover, Anthony has donated massively to his alma mater since his departure; he recently put $3 million toward its new practice facility, which will be named after him.
I'm guessing that loyalty will somehow manifest in Denver's favor as well.
1: Maybe The Rumors Are Greatly Exaggerated
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It all sounds plausible. The reports have been issued with relish and conviction. Done deal.
But maybe not, right? I'm always skeptical of news whose primary origin is a wedding anecdote.
So what if Anthony hasn't ordered a cease and desist on all trade-related discussion? If every whimsical notion from Amar'e Stoudemire required an official statement, how miserable would 'Melo's life be? Amar'e stays raising whimsical notions.
All I ask is that we wait and see. If for nothing else, do it for Knicks fans. They can't handle another tease.
