Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Nets Pull Ahead, But Are They the Best Fit?
Carmelo Anthony has made it clear that he wants to be traded.
While there have been several teams that have put their name out there in the Carmelo Sweepstakes, the New Jersey Nets have been the most active and seem to be close to completing a deal once again. The Nets latest attempt apparently involves a three-way deal that would include the Detroit Pistons.
But as these trade rumors continue to float around the NBA, the ultimate decision of where he ends up should come down to where Carmelo feels comfortable.
Lets take a look at the top-10 best fits for Carmelo.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
1 of 10
While this option isn't very likely, Minnesota general manager David Kahn has apparently inquired about Anthony and the possibility of putting together a mega-deal to get him to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves do have some very nice young pieces that they could potentitally throw into a deal, including third-year forwards Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, the rights to Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, and two first round draft picks in this summers draft.
But with the way Love has been playing this season, it's uncertain if the Timberwolves would want to part ways with him, even if it does involve getting Anthony in return.
9. Golden State Warriors
2 of 10
The Warriors have been looking to make a big splash for some time now. They added David Lee in the offseason, which was a nice pick up to go along with a young, solid background in Monta Ellis and Steph Curry.
However, if the Warriors were going to complete a deal with Denver, surely either Ellis or Curry would have to be involved in such a deal. The Nuggets are high on Curry, but so is Golden State. So much so, that even if Anthony is involved in the deal, they might have to think twice about their options.
8. New Orleans Hornets
3 of 10
They key here is if the Hornets can get Carmelo while keeping Chris Paul. If that can happen, then CP3 won't be knocking on the door of other teams when he hits free agency in the summer of 2010.
The Hornets started off hot this year, and while they have cooled down a bit as of late, Paul seems to be less frustrated with his team, although fans will always remember the story of how he spoke of playing with Anthony and Amare Stoudemire in New York at Anthony's wedding earlier this year.
The main problem here, is do the Hornets have enough talent to complete a deal? David West, Trevor Ariza and Marcus Thornton are all names that would be mentioned if this trade were to ever get serious.
7. Houston Rockets
4 of 10
This probably isn't Carmelo's ideal destination, but the Rockets have always been in the discussion as far as acquiring Melo goes. The only problem is, who is there to give up in return?
If these two were to work out a deal, it would have to involve Luis Scola and an array or first round picks over the next couple of years.
6. Denver Nuggets
5 of 10
You know, it is always possible that Carmelo could just stay in Denver.
He has a great coach in George Karl, who he apears to get along with for the most part, certinly before all these rumors started. He has a point guard in Chauncey Billups, who has made it clear that he wants to end his career in Denver.
Most importantly, this is a playoff team, just two years removed from a Western Conference finals appearance. Not a poor decision for Melo if he just chooses to play out the year in Denver and then seek other options when the free agency period hits.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
6 of 10
The Clippers have the cap room, as well as some pieces and draft picks that they could include in a potential deal with the Nuggets.
Eric Gordon is the key here. Heading into the year, the Clippers would have put him in this package without a doubt, but Gordon has had an outstanding year so far with the Clippers. Are they willing to include him in this type of deal?
Odds are that Anthony likes the idea of playing in LA, but not so much being second fiddle to Kobe and the Lakers.
4. Dallas Mavericks
7 of 10
Mark Cuban loves this guy, and just about two weeks ago, it seemed like Dallas was going to make a major push in the Carmelo sweepstakes.
This could very well remain a possibility. It seems like every year, the Mavericks are always one good player away from being right there with the Lakers on top of the West.
How about Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Carmelo Anthony as the league's new big-three? It could happen.
3. Chicago Bulls
8 of 10
The Bulls are one of those teams that have been rumored to be high-up on Carmelo's wish list.
They have a great young point guard in Derrick Rose, and Carlos Boozer looks like he is fitting in just fine after coming back from an injury that forced him to miss the first quarter of the season.
If this were to happen, the Bulls would likely have to part ways with Joakim Noah and Luol Dang, two of their most reliable starters. But in order to get Anthony, that is certainly a possibility.
2. New Jersey Nets
9 of 10
The Nets are trying to close in on another deal in order to get Carmelo to New Jersey. This idea involves the Detroit Pistons as a third party. And from what reports have said, this deal is further along then any trade involving Carmelo has been thus far.
However, any trade for Anthony still hinges on him signing a three-year extension. New Jersey has made it clear that they will not agree to the deal without getting Anthony's signature on an extension.
We will see how this deal progresses over the next couple of days. Or if it is really serious, maybe even the next couple of hours.
1. New York Knicks
10 of 10
They want him, and he wants to be there. Now it is just a matter of if the Nuggets believe they can get enough back from New York in exchange for Anthony.
New York remains Anthony's strongly preferred destination, but Denver has shown little interest in what the Knicks can provide in return.
If this deal does not go through with the Nets, you would have to assume that Carmelo is going to get fed up with the situation and begin to look into any way he can end up in New York.The Knicks have shown to be this good with just the addition of Amare Stoudemire. Could you imagine how good they could be with Amare and Carmelo? Time will tell if that dream can soon turn into a reality. Stay tuned.
