Carmelo Anthony: The Denver Nuggets Should Not Give In

Since the season started for the Denver Nuggets, things have become very awkward. Fans are in a constant search for the next Carmelo trade rumor. It has overshadowed the entire start of the season. Instead of fans clamouring over Ty Lawson, they are wondering aloud what the latest Anthony interview means for the team.

After a bit of pondering I think I've found what needs to be done:

Nothing.

An Offseason of Disrespect

Even though the Nuggets had a very quiet offseason as far as actual transactions go, it was highlighted by the declaration that Carmelo Anthony would like to be traded. When I heard this I was shocked. Why would he leave a team that made the playoffs last year and were on the cusp of the NBA Finals two years ago?

More offensive still is that this came during George Karl's struggle with his illness. His constant "trade me to my choice of teams" is another slap in the face to the team that took him in the draft and have worked diligently to build a contender around him. He has basically tried to assume the position of GM on his way out of Denver for inexplicable reasons.

He is attempting to give a black eye to an organization that has shown him nothing but devotion. For this there must be some consequences which the Nuggets are in a position to hand out. Namely, forcing him to play out his contract in Denver.

Why It Makes Sense, Basketball-Wise

Carmelo is a top five performer in the NBA. As history has shown, you never get equal value when you trade a superstar. The Gasol, Billups, McGrady, and Kidd trades all exemplify this point. The most prominent name that is being thrown around is Andre Igoudala. What would be the point? Is it really that tempting to become the Western Conference 76ers?

Regardless of whether or not he wants to be there, Anthony gives the Nuggets the best opportunity to win now. When he gets going he is unstoppable and allows for Martin and Nene to work down low. There isn't another superstar that can score in as many ways as Carmelo does (Sorry, Kobe). He is clutch and can defend perimeter players with the best of them. The Nuggets are a dangerous team because Carmelo is present, remove him and they are just an average team.

Why It Makes Sense Business-Wise

Carmelo sells out stadiums. He sells jerseys. He gets to the playoffs which equals more gate money. If his contract goes up then they can go into instant rebuilding mode by buying out Billups or sending him somewhere for draft picks. Carmelo can also still be moved through sign-and-trade which would yield him more years and money. Taking on subpar talent with marquee contracts would not improve the situation in Denver.

Let's be honest here for a minute, with the new CBA looming there is no telling what Carmelo would get paid if he became a free agent. This is a game of chicken that only Carmelo Anthony can lose. He simply cannot afford to wait until the new agreement and sign a new deal. He could miss out on years and millions of dollars a year. If worse comes to worse, Denver can still try and step in and work out a sign and trade scenario under the new CBA that could net them even more picks and young players.

He is Just an Employee

At the end of the day, Carmelo Anthony is just an employee of the Denver Nuggets franchise. He should learn that making power plays won't work in the NBA. This would also send a message to other owners that a player's demand for a trade does not have to be met. It is completely at the discretion of the owner. If it doesn't make basketball sense or business sense, then do not make a move. Franchises lose millions when players decide to force their way out of town.

Maybe it is time the players feel what it's like to lose money.