Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Are the Knicks Finally Team to Beat?
Carmelo Anthony trade rumors have been circulating throughout the NBA for months now, but now the Denver Nuggets star might be very close to finding a new home.
According to ESPN, the New York Knicks have made some progress in their attempts to acquire Anthony, and we could see a trade happening sooner than later.
There are still plenty of other teams that would love to add 'Melo to their rosters, and even with a possible Knicks trade brewing, these teams haven't lost all hope.
Let's take a look at the teams with the best chance of picking up one of the NBA's best and what makes them the front-runners in the race for Carmelo Anthony.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
1 of 10
Why They Need Him: A marquee player like Carmelo Anthony will bring more interest to this relatively young team, and the Evan Turner/Anthony combo could be interesting.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: 'Melo could work his way back East this way, and his presence alone will elevate this team. But even with Anthony, the 76ers probably aren't winning championships anytime soon.
The Deal: Andre Iguodala, Spencer Hawes and a first-round draft pick.
Trade Possibility (Scale of 1-10): 1
9. Houston Rockets
2 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Rockets have been on the cusp of contending big time for the West, but they need a weapon to help them handle some of the tougher teams like the Los Angeles Lakers. 'Melo could offer the Rockets that extra push they need.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: If Carmelo Anthony ends up with the Houston Rockets, he could be surrounded with a solid supporting cast, and he gets a chance at a championship.
The Deal: Luis Scola, Jared Jeffries and draft picks.
Trade Possibility: 2
8. Los Angeles Clippers
3 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Clippers are tired of playing "little brother" to the Lakers, and combining 'Melo with the likes of Baron Davis and a young (but talented) team could make them serious contenders in the West.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: He doesn't. But rumor has it that Anthony's wife La La Vazquez would like to live in Los Angeles.
The Deal: Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon and a first-round draft pick.
Trade Possibility: 2
7. Sacramento Kings
4 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Kings are another team that could be very good in the future, but there's a little something missing. Could Carmelo Anthony be the answer?
Why 'Melo Needs Them: 'Melo could be the "king" of the Kings in a relatively small market, and his pairing with Tyreke Evans could be spectacular. Plus, from a woman's perspective, 'Melo has settled down, and Sacramento is a great place to raise a family. (I know that sports fans prefer to focus on championships, but athletes' personal lives are more of a factor than you might think.)
The Deal: Samuel Dalembert and DeMarcus Cousins.
Trade Possibility: 3
6. New Orleans Hornets
5 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Hornets want to hold onto their star player Chris Paul after he becomes a free agent in 2012, and adding Carmelo Anthony could definitely help them out.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: If 'Melo wants a championship, he needs to be surrounded with some better players, and Chris Paul is one of the NBA's elite.
The Deal: Peja Stojakovic, Marco Belinelli and a first-round draft pick.
Trade Possibility: 4
5. Denver Nuggets
6 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Nuggets would love to keep Carmelo Anthony as their marquee player, and they are willing to make some big moves to convince him to stay.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: It doesn't seem very likely that 'Melo will stay in Denver because he lacks confidence in the team. Still, the Nuggets could make him a pretty sweet deal, and money could be a huge factor in 'Melo's decision.
Possibility: 5
4. Portland Trail Blazers
7 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Blazers lack a reliable scorer, and 'Melo definitely has that covered.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: Portland has one of the most faithful fanbases in the NBA, and Carmelo Anthony would be treated like a god with the Blazers.
The Deal: Rudy Fernandez, Joel Przybilla, Greg Oden and a first-round draft pick.
Trade Possibility: 5
3. Chicago Bulls
8 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Bulls were one of the teams to get shafted by the LeBron James free-agency fiasco, but 'Melo could be the Band Aid they need for the time being.
Why 'Melo Needs Them: Chicago is one of 'Melo's personal top choices, and being surrounded by the young and talented Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah would make the Bulls a force to be reckoned with.
The Deal: Luol Deng, Taj Gibson or James Johnson and a first-round pick
2. New Jersey Nets
9 of 10
Why They Need Him: The Nets have been awful recently, and a big name player could revive this struggling franchise.
Why He Needs Them: With the Nets moving to Brooklyn, 'Melo would have his chance at returning to the city he loves.
The Deal: Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy and a first-round draft pick.
Trade Possibility: 7
1. New York Knicks
10 of 10
Why They Need Him: The acquisition of Carmelo Anthony would give the Knicks another star player, and 'Melo could help them attract more powerful free agents in the offseason.
Why Melo Needs Them: Anthony has publicly expressed his interest in coming to New York, and if he wants a championship, the Knicks give him the best shot.
The Deal: Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and a first-round pick. The Knicks have also reportedly entertained the idea of parting with Danilo Gallinari.
Trade Possibility: 9
