Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul To Charlotte: Can Michael Jordan Make It Happen?

The Denver Nuggets have made it clear that they will ultimately dictate the pace of any trade negotiations for Carmelo Anthony, and they really don't seemed to pressed to make a deal happen.

The Nuggets recently said they are willing to wait until Dec. 15, when recently signed free agents are allowed to be traded, and when the pool of available players is potentially larger.

The New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets remain at the top of Anthony's wish list, but so far the Nuggets are not that impressed with the players they may receive in return.

The Knicks have offered Eddy Curry and his expiring contract, Anthony Randolph, and have flirted with the possibility of parting with Danillo Gallinari.

The Nets have offered rookie Derrick Favors as their headliner piece, and they have numeropus other player and cash options which may make them a little more attractive to Denver.

However, there is another team that is rumored to have a player that the Nuggets covet, and there is a slim chance that this team may be lurking beneath all the Anthony trade speculation.

The Charlotte Bobcats were an original member of the four team deal which would have sent Anthony to New Jersey, but of course the deal fell through at the last moment.

The Nuggets would have reportedly received Gerald Wallace as a part of the deal, and if new owner Michael Jordan is really dedicated to rebuilding the team, why not start with Anthony?

The Nuggets have said they may focus their attention to smaller two-team deals as opposed to multi-team deals, and the Bobcats can offer Denver some attractive pieces.

Jordan has repeatedly told the citizens of Charlotte that he is committed to building the Bobcats into a consistent playoff team, but so far he has yet to show any passion for that goal.

Jordan's biggest deals so far have consisted of trading away Tyson Chandler, allowing Raymond Felton to sign with the Knicks in free agency, and acquring Tyrus Thomas from the Chicago Bulls.

In addition to those blockbuster moves, Jordan also signed point guard Shaun Livingston, and center Kwame Brown, who both have yet to play a minute for the Bobcats.

So what exactly is Jordan waiting for?

Adding Livingston, Brown, and Thomas will not pave a path to the postseason in the more difficult Eastern Conference, and if Jordan really hopes to compete it's time to chase the players you need to get there.

Starting with Anthony is not a bad idea, and Jordan can even try selling Anthony on a potential pairing with point guard Chris Paul to make the lure more attractive.

Paul is a North Carolina native who has also made it clear that he wants out of New Orleans, and he has said one of his dreams is playing professionally in front of a home town crowd.

Well, Charlotte is as close to Winston-Salem as Paul can get professionally, and the chance to play with Anthony, and for Jordan could be enough to swing the pendulum in the Bobcats favor.

But, the city of Charlotte and coach Larry Brown would have to come to terms with the idea of losing Wallace, who has been one of the Bobcats' best and most loved players.

Wallace's versatility makes him a very attractive bargaining chip, and the Bobcats also have other players like Desagna Diop and Boris Diaw just to make the numbers work.

Popular opinion says that Anthony will take his talents to either New York or New Jersey, but if he is set on joining the Eastern Conference, why not join a playoff team?

Charlotte did the least of all last year's playoff teams, but due to the philosophy of Brown, and their defensive attitude the Bobcats are still a good bet to reach the postseason.

With a line-up featuring Anthony, and Stephen Jackson Charlotte will finally have the versatile scoring threat needed to harmonize with their potent defense.

And the potential to add Paul to the mix could give the Bobcats their own three star rotation in a conference that looks to thrive on that formula.

I'm not sure if a move like this is even on Jordan's radar, but considering the fact that Denver has said they are willing to listen to all offers, and their previous interest in Wallace, makes it silly not to try.

Jordan has continuously promised to build Charlotte into a perennial playoff team, and by strongly pursuing Anthony and Paul, he could prove he is doing more than just paying lip-service to the idea.