Carmelo Anthony: Examining the Latest Rumors and Separating Fact from Fiction
The free agency summit of the summer has long since ended and most of the major pieces have found new homes.
One of the most important players in the the now legendary 2003 NBA draft class, Carmelo Anthony, is still looking for a home.
He has failed to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets and his contract expires at the end of next season. Rumors persist that Carmelo wants out despite publicly saying all the right things.
The Denver Post has reported that Melo's camp is becoming increasingly frustrated with the Nuggets refusal to trade him. Former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has said that 'Melo wants out because he wants to "play for a winner."
One thing is clear—with trade rumors circling, it seems unlikely that Anthony will wear the powder-blue in Denver after this season.
Let's take a look at some of the rumors and evaluate just how true they may be.
Carmelo Plays Out His Contract
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Carmelo still has one year left on his contract, and could theoretically play out the season in Denver. For the Nuggets, however, this is probably the worst option at their disposal.
Anthony has signaled his intentions to move elsewhere by refusing to sign a three-year $65 million extension. If the Nuggets refuse to get rid of him before the trade deadline, they likely won't get any value when he leaves. If he leaves, guys like Aaron Afflalo, Kenyon Martin, and J.R. Smith may also leave in free agency.
The Nuggets saw what happened to the Cavaliers and the Raptors. They need to get value from a trade rather than just clear cap space when Carmelo leaves. Expect them to make a deal later in the season.
Fiction
Carmelo to The Bulls?
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A report today has indicated that the Bulls are still interested in acquiring Carmelo Anthony. In light of offseason moves, however, this seems quite unlikely.
The current Bulls roster features Luol Deng at small forward and Carmelo would certainly be an upgrade. The upgrade, however, is not the issue.
While Miami clearly made the biggest splash in free agency, the Bulls became the Utah Jazz-East, by adding Kyle Korver and Carlos Boozer in the offseason.
Those contracts, in addition to Joakim Noah's contract extension, make the acquisition of Carmelo unlikely.
Fiction
Carmelo is Traded After December 15th
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On December 15th, players that have signed as free agents in the offseason become eligible for trades. That gives the Nuggets the possibility of bargaining to acquire some of the marquee names in this summer's free agent sweepstakes.
Unfortunately, I have a hard time envisioning a scenario in which any of the big name signees are traded away to the Nuggets.
In fact, the only trade scenario I see as a legitimate possibility is a Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng swap for Carmelo Anthony. Without Boozer, the Bulls were a strong interior defensive team, and Melo is considerably younger than Boozer.
The Bulls could have a strong, young core with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Carmelo Anthony.
Fact: The Nuggets may wait until after December 15th to exhaust all of their trade options before dealing Carmelo
Carmelo to The Nets?
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The Nets have been involved in the 'Melo sweepstakes for sometime.
The Nuggets, however, have been adamant that any trade scenario involves rookie Derrick Favors. Up to this point, the Nets are unwilling to part with their first-round draft choice.
Carmelo might fit nicely with the Nets. They've just picked up options on Brooke Lopez and Terrence Williams.
Lopez is developing nicely, and looks like he will be a consistent 20-10 guy.
Williams had a bumpy rookie season, but is an athletic player who may mature into a consistent third option.
If Williams were to play the shooting guard spot, Melo would fit well with this team.
Reportedly, however, the likelihood of this deal has cooled off considerably.
Fiction
Carmelo to The Knicks?
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After losing out in the LeBron James sweepstakes, the Knicks began to pursue trade talks with Carmelo Anthony. Originally those proceeded slowly, but have reportedly heated up in the past two weeks.
The deal would require the Knicks to trade away Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and his expiring contract, and possibly a first-round pick provided by a third team. Additionally, the Nuggets might try to poach Danilo Gallinari.
This looks like a good deal for both teams.
The Knicks add Carmelo to complement Amar'e Stoudemire. Carmelo is a great scorer and would thrive in the Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense.
For the Nuggets, Randolph is a young developing player and a future first-round pick would certainly sweeten the deal.
And, if the Knicks were willing to part with Gallinari, the Nuggets would land themselves two young players to build around in the future. Gallinari is versatile and only 22. His numbers may be slightly bloated because of the system he plays in, but he will likely develop into a very consistent scorer.
This is clearly the best option on the table for the Nuggets. They get immediate value and avoid the hassle of dealing with a player disinterested in his team.
For Carmelo, the Knicks are a huge media market and the offensive system he would play in certainly suits his style. He will get to play alongside a bona fide star in Amar'e Stoudemire and come back closer to his home, Baltimore.
Fact
