NBA Rumors: Joakim Noah Signs Extension—What Now for Carmelo Anthony?
The Chicago Bulls have agreed to a five-year, $60 million extension with center Joakim Noah, according to a report from Sam Smith.
The two sides had been working out the deal over the last few weeks, when talks of a contract extension were reported around the same time Noah's name was brought up in possible trade talks with Denver for forward Carmelo Anthony.
Noah's coming off a career season with Chicago, averaging 10.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 64 games last season.
He's been better in the playoffs, putting up 12.1 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks over the last two seasons.
The extension makes the trade rumors for Carmelo Anthony obsolete. With Noah locked up, the Bulls will move forward with a Derrick Rose-Carlos Boozer-Noah trio.
So what now for Anthony? It's been rumored that Chicago and New York were his two most favored destinations, and the two most likely places he'd agree to commit to a long-term contract.
With Chicago seemingly out of the picture, the number of suitors for 'Melo deteriorates—as does the leverage the Nuggets have in trade demands.
At this point, it doesn't appear he'll be moved before training camp. After Dec. 15, free agents that signed this year are eligible to traded, meaning the possibilities become a bit more intriguing.
But the closer it gets to the trade deadline, the more pressure there is on the Nuggets to get something in exchange for their franchise player.
So what offers might be a little more compelling for Denver now that Noah is off the table? Here a few candidates:
The four-team deal that would send 'Melo to New Jersey has pretty much been described as dormant, if not dead.
While getting Derrick Favors and a handful of draft picks would be tempting for the Nuggets, they'd still lose money in the luxury tax this year...not to mention losing your franchise player.
Any future deals would likely revolve around Favors, and the Nets also have the expiring contract of Troy Murphy to offer. But the biggest obstacle seems to be getting 'Melo to commit to a future in New Jersey.
Even with this nucleus, the Nets wouldn't jump to the level of Orlando, Boston, and Miami in the East. While it's certainly worth the gamble for New Jersey, it might not be for Carmelo...which makes it less likely he'd agree to an extension.
A team that hasn't been mentioned much in the endless amount of trade rumors, the Rockets (on paper) have all of the assets Denver would be looking for in a trade.
They have a core of young players (Aaron Brooks, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson) and a handful of expiring contracts—Jared Jeffries ($6.8 million), Shane Battier ($7.3 million), and Yao Ming ($17.7 million).
Plus, they hold a kicker: New York's 2012 first-round draft pick.
When rumors of 'Melo requesting a trade first leaked, it was reported that Chicago, New York, and Houston were the three places that he would consider signing an extension.
The Rockets could take on several contracts and save Denver money immediately, something that would be very favorable for the Nuggets.
And as the deadline approaches, those assets will look more appealing to the Nuggets.
New York Knicks
The Knicks may be the team that benefited the most from Noah's deal. As each day passes, the odds that 'Melo ultimately asks to be traded to New York increase.
After Dec. 15, the Knicks can get a little more creative with their trade proposals, offering players that they signed this offseason.
In the end, it may come down to how bad Anthony wants to be a Knick.
Any potential suitor would want him to sign a contract extension before the deal. If he refuses, it makes it far less likely that team would pull the trigger on a trade.
The question is, would he risk not signing an extension this year to be in New York next year, even if it means making less money or being without a contract during a possible lockout?
