Carmelo Anthony: Is New York or Chicago His Kind of Town?
Trade rumors surrounding Carmelo Anthony are heating up again. This time, the Chicago Bulls are apparently at least considering joining the New York Knicks in the fray.
According to an ESPN Chicago report, the Bulls are holding internal discussions about whether to part ways with Joakim Noah in exchange for Anthony.
The report also indicates the team would like to throw in Luol Deng's massive contract along with Noah, which alone might torpedo the deal.
Another complicating factor is an ESPN report claiming the Bulls and Noah, who is a restricted free agent next summer, are working toward a five-year extension expected to be completed before the season starts.
So would the Nuggets really deal Carmelo to the Bulls? It doesn't seem likely, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about it.
The attractive potential destinations of Chicago and New York both present numerous possibilities for Carmelo to work on his legacy while also enjoying the fruits of life.
Here's a look at some factors Carmelo Anthony might weigh in determining where he wants end up.
No. 10: Where Would La La Want to Go?
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When making a decision about his future, Carmelo is certain to follow in the footsteps of millions of men before him and consult the lady in his life.
Like many of those men, he may or may not do what she wants.
La La was born in Brooklyn, so she might be eager to go back to the East Coast and continue her professional career on a big stage.
At that same time, Chicago is home to plenty of entertainers, including Common and Kanye West.
In the end, La La would probably want to head with her hubby to the pressure-cooker of the Big Apple.
Advantage: New York
No. 9: East Coastin' or Midwest Living?
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The East Coast has always shined brightest in the spotlight, at least when it comes to the sports world.
The acclaim and fame that comes from being a star in a huge market like New York, Boston or Philadelphia is simply astounding. At the same time, the pressure makes life difficult for stars who flame out.
The Midwest is known for being a bit slower and more forgiving. Ultimately, heading to the Chicago market would probably be an easier transition for Carmelo as he looks to leave peaceful Denver.
Advantage: Chicago
No. 8: Athlete Star Power in New York and Chicago
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Assuming Carmelo goes to either Chicago or New York, he will not be the biggest star in market.
In Chicago, the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks have become the toast of the town. A number of the Hawks' young stars have taken over the sports landscape in the Windy City, none more so than Patrick Kane.
In New York, and old star is still hanging on. Derek Jeter is New York. Eli Manning, Mark Sanchez and David Wright also would probably remain more polarizing than Carmelo.
Unless, of course, 'Melo was able to lead the Knicks to the promise land.
Advantage: New York
No. 7: Food and Entertainment
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Denver might be a beautiful city, but it can't compete with the likes of Chicago and New York when it comes to entertainment. More importantly, it can't even come close to competing with the food.
It's difficult to find someone who has had the privilege of feasting on Chicago style deep-dish pizza and not enjoyed every cheesy bite.
At the same time, the Carnegie Deli's delicious sandwiches are equally tasty.
As far as entertainment goes, New York's ridiculous amount of pro sports teams gives the city an edge in that category. Throw in Broadway and the chance to bump into Tiger Woods at a hot club, and the Big Apple has a clear advantage.
At least Carmelo would be able to sing the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley Field.
Advantage: New York
No. 6: Lasting Impact on the City
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Depending on where he ends up and what happens, Carmelo could go down in history or in infamy. Either way, he would make some sort of impact on Chicago or New York.
The sports fans in New York City have tasted considerable success, so another superstar riding in might not have a huge impact.
However, if Carmelo helped the Knicks beat the mighty Heat, his place among the pantheon of New York sports giants would be secure forever.
Chicago embraces new stars and really embraces winners. If Carmelo was able to at least walk alongside the footsteps of one Michael Jeffrey Jordan, the Windy City would consider him one of its own.
Advantage: Chicago
No. 5: Where is There Less Pressure to Win?
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New York's fan base is far less forgiving than Chicago's.
The Knicks as presently constructed have little chance to do anything major in the coming years. But the addition of Carmelo and possibly Chris Paul would change that. Suddenly, with the aging Celtics on their last legs, the Knicks would be viewed as the Miami Heat's primary challenger.
Meanwhile, a Chicago team hungry for success in the post-Jordan era would still be considered a long shot to win a title. A win by the Bulls over the Heat would be a site to be hold, but wouldn't be something to expect with Omer Asik playing center.
The Bulls with Carmelo and Derrick Rose would be close, but the Knicks with Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo and Chris Paul would be closer.
The pressure would be on to win in NYC, which would make going to Chicago less stressful for 'Melo.
Advantage: Chicago
No. 4: Advantage in Marketability
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Chicago and New York are huge markets, and both have big advantages for athletes when it comes to "marketing the brand" through endorsement deals.
Going to Chicago would place Carmelo, a member of the Jordan brand, into the spotlight along with Derrick Rose and one of the NBA's brightest and most marketable superstar tandems.
Going to New York would have huge advantages, with Anthony poised to be the biggest star in arguably the biggest sports market in the entire world.
Advantage: New York
No. 3: Lasting Impact On Long-Term Legacy
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Now that LeBron James has paved the way by taking his services elsewhere in hopes of winning an NBA Championship, Carmelo's decision to turn down an extension and head to greener pastures wouldn't have a strong negative impact on his legacy.
Instead, Carmelo's legacy would likely be molded as either the player who pushed the Knicks or the Bulls either to the brink of an NBA title or brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to his new home.
His legacy as one of the better scorers in NBA history is far from complete, but the chance to perform in New York or Chicago would almost certainly validate his place as one of the better players in NBA history.
The rewards of performing well and winning in New York and Chicago would be huge. Carmelo can't go wrong either way.
Advantage: Push
No. 2: Short-Term Title Chances in New York and Chicago
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Both Chicago and New York are in a hurry to win and win now, but it might take another year or two to bolster the rosters to put either team in position to do so.
Without knowing exactly what the Bulls or Knicks would give up to acquire 'Melo, it's difficult to say how each team's roster would look.
If the Bulls gave up Noah for Carmelo, the team would have a glaring weakness in the middle with no clear candidate to fill the void. Carlos Boozer is undersized at power forward, which would force Anthony, Ronnie Brewer and even Derrick Rose to crash the boards.
The Knicks have more pieces to deal than the Bulls, but New York also could use a center and an upgrade on the perimeter. If New York pulls off a deal for Carmelo, there isn't likely to be much left for the immediate pursuit of Chris Paul via trade.
As presently constructed, the Bulls are closer to a Championship. But the loss of Noah would absolutely crippling to the Chicago's chances in the immediate future. That could be why such a deal will never happen.
Advantage: New York
No. 1: The Verdict is In
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Adding up the winners of the various categories gives New York a 5-3-1 advantage over Chicago. Is it really that simple?
Without knowing the validity of the Noah-for-Anthony rumors, the answer appears to be yes.
The Knicks have the expiring contracts to make a deal for Carmelo very realistic. They also would have the ability to add Chris Paul and still have room to tinker with a roster that has already improved dramatically since the end of the season.
The Bulls need Carmelo's scoring and Carmelo needs the Bulls' young, strong supporting cast. But both parties need a center, and that center is Joakim Noah.
It's clear Carmelo would have the best chance to be a star while leading a winning team by taking his talents to Times Square.
