NBA Rumors: Carmelo To Leave Denver, Phil Jackson on Miami, Pippen on Chicago

Periodically NBA Primetime will publish the “NBAPT Roundup”, providing you with the most popular news around the NBA.

Melo to leave Denver for good?

News broke out last night that the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are listed as the top two preferences for swingman Carmelo Anthony.

ESPN reported, “Over the last 72 hours, sources said, Anthony’s representatives — headed by agent Leon Rose — have been ramping up the pressure on the Nuggets to complete a deal with the Knicks or the Bulls before training camps open leaguewide next week.”

Melo and company are clearly ready to pack their bags, however, Denver’s front-office is in no rush.

The Nuggets organization is hoping for Melo to change his stern stance once training camp begins. Point-guard Chauncey Billups and head-coach George Karl have had immense impact on Anthony on and off the court and could influence the star to remain with his team.

Where do you think Anthony will end up, if anywhere?

Phil Jackson talks about Miami’s Big Trio

LA’s head-coach and 11 time championship winner Phil Jackson was interviewed on ESPN 1000 in Chicago recently.

Inevitably, the Miami Heat came about in the discussion and Jackson had this to say about the newly formed Heat squad.

“They got great talent… There’s no question about their talent they have. But, talent doesn’t always win. The team that shows the best teamwork will win it. We think that [the Lakers] have established something. But, if [the Heat] can unite — and build quickly — they might be able to do it.

Jackson then backed up his statement, providing some proof from the past.

“I always refer to when Wilt Chamberlain was traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and that put [Elgin] Baylor, [Jerry] West and Chamberlain together — three of the top scorers in NBA history — and they never won a championship together the four years they were together,” Jackson said.

“It’s not always scorers and talent that wins it. But it’s teamwork that does it.”

Hmmm, wise words from a wise man, don’t you say?

Will the Miami Heat win the championship during the upcoming season?

Scottie Pippen wouldn’t trade Melo for Noah

Pippen spoke on ESPN 1000 recently about the recent heat in discussion regarding to Carmelo Anthony.

Rumors have circulated around Anthony possibly being dealt to the Chicago Bulls in which Chicago's center, Joakim Noah, would be a likely candidate to be shipped to Denver.

When asked if he would pull the trigger Pippen stated, “I would definitely think about it very hard…But I don’t know … if I’m a GM, I don’t know that I could pull the trigger based on Carmelo’s … sort of what he’s doing now. Based on his reputation, I’d probably have to stay with Joakim because you know that this kid is going to come out and play night in and night out. There’s no excuses. He’s a great teammate. That’s what you want.”

Would you trade Joakim Noah if it brought Carmelo Anthony to your team?

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