Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: A Closer Look at the Trade Chips
Carmelo Anthony has wanted out of Denver for sometime.
Rumors of him headed to the New York Knicks then the New Jersey Nets and then the Knicks again have dominated NBA discussions for several months.
It finally looks like the Denver Nuggets have found a way to appease their superstar.
A trade among the Nuggets, Nets and Detroit Pistons is reportedly very close to completion. After some remaining details are sorted out, the deal should be finalized and send Anthony to New Jersey.
Here is a closer look at the other players on the move.
Richard Hamilton
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Rip Hamilton was a key component to Detroit's turn-of-the-century success but has been stuck on a team lacking in talent and wins for several years. He's expressed his frustration with his reduced role, as Ben Gordon has taken over more minutes.
A move to New Jersey could provide Hamilton with a career revival.
Devin Harris is expected to be shipped out, leaving a vacancy in the Nets' backcourt.
Ben Uzoh
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Uzoh was a consistent scorer at Tulsa, but went undrafted. He's caught on with New Jersey, playing 10 minutes per game.
A player like Uzoh can see two different results in a trade like this; either he continues to get playing time as a new coaching staff appreciates what they see from him, or he is eschewed straight to the end of the bench.
Troy Murphy
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Troy Murphy has seen his minutes drop significantly this season. They've been cut in half actually, reducing Murphy's production.
He's still a solid player when he sees enough time on the floor.
More than anything, the thing that makes Murphy valuable to the Detroit Pistons is his expiring contract.
They take him on now knowing his spot on the roster will be vacant next season which will allow the Pistons more options in the free-agent market.
Derrick Favors
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Despite picking Favors third overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, New Jersey is ready to move him to Denver if it helps get Carmelo.
Favors has tons of potential thanks to elite athleticism.
It's common belief that the forward has the talent to be an NBA all-star with the right tutelage. Whether or not he would be a part of Denver's immediate plans is unknown.
Shelden Williams
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Williams is preparing to play for his sixth NBA team in seven seasons.
He's averaged 4.1 rebounds per game in his career in 14.5 minutes per game. He's having maybe his best season as a pro by averaging 4.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
His minutes are up with the Nuggets, and will likely not decrease with the Nets. He's a hustle player that does a lot of the little things well.
Devin Harris
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Devin Harris has been an all-star guard in the past and uses tremendous quickness to bolt through the lane for layups. He's still an outstanding player that most teams would like to have on their roster.
Denver is set to receive him despite having the younger and similarly-styled Ty Lawson already in tow.
The Nuggets are never afraid of taking on more scoring options and that's what Harris can provide--in the form of scoring himself and setting up his teammates.
Johan Petro
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Seven foot players can stay in the NBA for a long time if they put their mind to it.
Petro is never going to wow anybody with consistent double-double performances, but he'll always be a big body that gets a few rebounds, redirects shots and provide six fouls.
Detroit, the team that really allows this trade to get off the ground, receives Petro. The Pistons look very much like they are trying to empty some pieces off the roster in looking to the future.
Anthony Morrow
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Morrow is a marksmen, currently one of the NBA's better three-point shooters at 41.1%.
Primarily a bench player with Golden State for two season, Morrow is a starter for the Nets.
Morrow's shooting fits in well with the Nuggets high-scoring philosophy. With Anthony gone, the team may look to run-and-gun a little bit more.
Terrico White
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Terrico White has yet to play for the Detroit Pistons, who spent the sixth pick of the second round of the 2010 draft on the guard.
White averaged 15.1 points at Ole Miss last season but has been held out of play due to a fractured right foot.
Moving to New Jersey won't change things for White or the Nets right away. They're both looking to the future to see how this relationship works out.
Quinton Ross
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Ross will be moving to his sixth team in his last four seasons. He's surely hoping to stick with somebody.
Ross' minutes (10.6 per game) and scoring (1.3 points per game) are both at a career low. He may be sick of moving, but this getting a shot with Denver may be a welcome new opportunity.
More than anything, Ross helps make the numbers work for the trade.
Chauncey Billups
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Chauncey Billups is no longer an elite point guard but is still in the top half of starters in the NBA.
He is expected to move to New Jersey with Anthony and establish a true point guard for the Nets. Devin Harris is more of a scorer than passer.
Billups will hook up with former-Detroit running mate Hamilton and the duo will hope to recreate their championship-winning magic.
Al Harrington
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Denver only just acquired Harrington before this season. But Harrington's per game averages in points (12.2), rebounds (5.1) and minutes (26.5) are all his lowest since at least the 2002-03 season.
Harrington's contract's remaining four years and $28 million are a major sticking point in the deal. It could be up to New Jersey to take on the burden. Harrington still has production left in him if in the right situation.
Stephen Graham
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Stephen Graham doesn't necessarily excite the Denver Nuggets in terms of production potential. His inclusion in the trade is mainly for salary cap purposes.
Graham is averaging 4.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for the Nets.
