NBA Rumors: Could Carmelo Anthony To Orlando Magic Really Happen?
It is no surprise to those that follow the NBA that Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is seeking a trade. It is also no surprise that the Nuggets are willing to shop him around, as when he become a free agent at the end of the season, they would get nothing for him. The Orlando Magic have been interested in him as well, which again is no surprise.
What may be shocking is what the Magic would be willing to give up to get him: everyone except for Dwight Howard. Rashard Lewis, Brandon Bass, J.J. Redick, Jameer Nelson, all could go in a package deal and the Magic would be fine with it.
The question then becomes, would both sides be able to reach an agreement that satisfies more parties? Beyond that, would the Magic be able to win the NBA Championship by making this deal, if not this year then in the future?
What They Would Have to Give Up
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The Magic would not have to give up too many players to get Anthony. However, they would likely have to give up good ones. At the least, Vince Carter would be gone, so that the scoring could continue without Anthony, and his expiring contract would be a given to make room.
Brandon Bass would be in the deal as well. He's a young player, and would fit well with the team. The Nuggets have a solid guard rotation in Billups, Afflalo, J.R. Smith, and Lawson, but they would likely want to add Jameer Nelson into that as well. The problem is though, where do you fit him? One of those guards would be coming to the Magic to make room, and I can't see the Nuggets giving any of them over, especially not Billups.
I could not see any more beyond those three as possibilities, and only Carter/Bass in a trade, just because there's only so much space on the court, and the role players on the Nuggets are fairly good.They'll ask for both draft picks if it ends up being a 2-for-1 deal, which seems the easiest outcome to make work.
What They Would Get In Return
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Beyond Anthony obviously, the Nuggets could possibly throw in Melvin Ely as well, which would help a bit after losing Bass. I can't see them trading any others, since after all, this is about acquiring players for Anthony, not losing them.
The New Lineups
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The Starting Five for the Magic, if this trade went through, would be Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick,Carmelo Anthony, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard. There's still a solid bench.
While it does increase offensive firepower, especially in the starting five, some holes are created, mainly in the frontcourt. Then again, that's why Ely was included in the deal.
The Nuggets would have Billups, Afflalo, Carter, Kenyon Martin when he returns, and Nene.
How Far Can Magic Go With This Trade?
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At 14-4, the Magic have one of the best records in the NBA, so they are already very good. Adding Carmelo in the mix, once everybody plays enough to mesh together, would become enough of a force, especially on the offensive end, where Orlando fans would likely demand a championship. Let's look at the three major opponents for them come playoff time.
Can They Beat Their Main Opposition?
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Anthony gives the Magic the go-to guy against Paul Pierce. Factor in Howard keeping an eye on Garnett, and Ray Allen is the only outlier out at the three point line. Luckily, the Magic still have Nelson and Redick to counter with three point shots of their own, and this trade would end up being most ideal in toppling the Celtics.
A matchup against the Heat may pose a problem, but it still works. Anthony and Lebron can trade buckets while Howard stops Bosh, that's not a problem. The only issues come with finding a guy to stop Dwyane Wade, but they did it in their win against the Heat, they could do it again.
A Lakers matchup, however, still poses problems. Not having Brandon Bass in there to keep tabs on Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum could come back to haunt them. Carmelo Anthony could go toe to toe with Kobe on the offensive end, but can he move past Ron Artest's lockdown defense? It's not impossible, but it's not easy either.
If any team would be a problem, it's the Spurs. This trade doesn't look like it would help much against them, and Bass's loss would open up a hole for Tim Duncan. Howard can only cover Duncan or Blair, not both at once.
The defensive end is less of a worry right now, since the Magic lead the league in fewest points allowed.
Is Denver Still a Good Team?
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The $64,000 question in Denver's eyes is whether or not they're getting enough pieces to remain a sold playoff team. They are a very good team still, and with a couple viable replacements, they would be able to remain in contention no problem. They would not get past the Lakers or Spurs, but they weren't getting past them with Anthony anyway.
Would Both Sides Actually Go For a Trade, Even If Not Ideal?
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If not this proposed trade, I firmly believe there's one out there that would satisfy both sides. Even if that was found, however, would both sides actually go for a trade even if it was iffy? I actually think they would, which could help out greatly before the deadline.
Both sides are simultaneously in good and bad positions. The Nuggets have a good record and have a star player, but they know they can't keep him and need to get what they can. Trading for the future happens all the time in baseball with struggling teams, but rarely in basketball and not with playoff teams. There's not much to go on to see what kind of trade value Anthony actually has.
As for the Magic, they have a great team and a great record, but have no rings to show for it. They haven't been able to beat the Celtics or Lakers, and need a trade that's going to put them over the hump. If it means getting rid of some of their good role players to bring in a star, they'll do it.
The question, in the end, is when, rather than if, a trade will happen, as for what pieces it really involves. If my trade sounds ridiculous, make your own offer. I'm sure both sides are trying to find good ones that work.
