NBA Trade Rumors 2011: Why Carmelo Anthony To Nets Is His Loss, Not New York's

Carmelo Anthony is almost on the move.

Again.

For what seems like the 20th time, the superstar forward is on the verge of leaving the Denver Nuggets.

And for what also seems like the 20th time, Anthony's proposed destination is New Jersey.

Reports have surfaced that the Nuggets, Nets and Pistons are close to completing a three-team deal that would land Anthony in the Garden state.

The proposed deal also brings the Nets Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Anthony Carter. Denver would receive Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Anthony Morrow, Stephen Graham and Ben Uzoh, along with first round draft picks. And Troy Murphy and Johan Petro would wind up in Detroit.

On Detroit's part, the only thing this trade does is dump salary. They are in the process of being sold and are trying to save as much money as possible.

There have been other players and minor details discussed in this complicated deal, but the major pieces are in place.

The deal brings the Nets the superstar they desperately need, along with a supporting cast that makes them a playoff contender in the East this season. In terms of the Nuggets, this trade maximizes their return on Melo by bringing them two very good youngsters in Harris and Favors, as well as one or more first round draft picks.

One major obstacle that stands in the way of this deal going through is Anthony's willingness to sign a three-year, $65 million extension with the Nets. The Nets will not give up that many assets without knowing for certain that Anthony will sign the extension.

Many believe that Anthony is ready and willing to ink an extension with New Jersey.

Really now?

Carmelo says that he wants to wind up with a team that is ready to contend for a championship. This trade leaves the Nets with a starting lineup of Billups, Hamilton, Anthony, Lopez and Humphries.  

Does Anthony really believe he has a chance of winning a title anytime soon with this team? 

No, I'm not buying it.

The only reason Anthony agrees to sign an extension with the Nets is because he is absolutely unhappy in Denver and wants to make sure he gets his money before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement comes into effect.

I won't say that his decision would be based solely on the money because if that were the case, he would be better off signing the extension with the Nuggets and staying in Denver.

Anthony's decision can also not be based on the hopes the Nets will go after his buddy Chris Paul next year, because if Paul really intends to to leave New Orleans, the Hornets will deal him before next season's end. And the Nets will have no assets to offer for Paul after this trade for Anthony.

Either way, though, this trade brings an end to the possibility of a Knicks and Carmelo marriage, which should lead to a period of mourning and longing for the Knicks and their fans.

I don't think so.

If Anthony agrees to go to New Jersey, it's his loss. The Knicks should feel no sense of regret for not mortgaging their future by trading away their strong core of young players.

Furthermore, if Anthony accepts this trade, it just proves he is not what New York is looking for.

Yes, he may wind up in Brooklyn someday with the Nets, but his approval of being traded to New Jersey sends a clear message: It's not about winning a championship.

The Knicks are trying to put together a championship calibre roster with players who are motivated by winning. How can Anthony possibly think he is going to win anytime soon with Nets?

The answer is he can't.

Anthony's decision to sign with the Nets would be a decision based almost solely on money. If he really wants to have a chance to win a championship, then he would wait and sign with New York as a free agent or force Denver to trade him to New York for whatever they are offering.

But if Anthony is that concerned with the prospect of leaving money on the table, the Knicks and their fans shouldn't panic.

I won't deny that failure to land Anthony is a hit. The Knicks are a solid team as is, but they cannot compete on a daily basis with teams like the Heat, Celtics or Lakers.

However, not landing Carmelo is only a roadblock on the Knicks path to building a championship contender. The Knicks have other options; Anthony does not.

If Anthony agrees to sign with the Nets, he begins a future filled with mediocrity.  

Brook Lopez is a very good player and would complement Anthony well, but he is no Amare Stoudemire; outside of Lopez, there is no upside to the Nets. Billups and Hamilton have seen the best of their days, and if the Celtics have taught us anything, it's that it takes more than two guys to win a championship.

Anthony holds all the leverage in this situation. He controls his own future. And if New Jersey/Brooklyn is where he wants to go then hey, no one is stopping him.

I just wonder how long it will take before the "what-if" factor comes into effect once he watches from home as the Knicks fight their way toward an NBA title.