Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Why Melo Makes No Sense with New Jersey Nets
The buzz surrounding the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors has swelled into a deafening roar, especially concerning the ongoing discussions between the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets, but last week's reports of an imminent deal have since been put on hold.
Determined to get equal value for their superstar small forward, Denver has finally found a package that they like. New Jersey's offer of promising young big man Derrick Favors, former All-Star point guard Devin Harris, 3-point specialist Anthony Morrow and at least two first-round draft picks is amenable to the Nuggets, who are resigned to initiating rebuilding mode.
In exchange, the Nets would receive Anthony and Chauncey Billups. To make the trade work, Detroit's Rip Hamilton would also head to New Jersey, with Troy Murphy and Johan Petro going to the Pistons.
However, the widely discussed snag is that New Jersey doesn't want Melo unless he is willing to sign an immediate three-year extension (rumored to be in the $65 million range), and Anthony has balked at committing to be a Net long-term.
Even if he were willing to embrace a future in New Jersey, and eventually Brooklyn, Melo makes no sense with the New Jersey Nets under the current conditions of the trade. The move would not work out for either party. Here's why:
The Nets Would Not Be Championship Contenders
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If the thought process in New Jersey is that this trade will instantly elevate the Nets to the Eastern Conference's upper echelon, they are dead wrong.
The new Nets would not be any better than the old Nuggets, who were never really contenders the last few years. If Carmelo and Chauncey were not even close to enough in Denver, where there is a better supporting cast, why does anyone think they could win in New Jersey?
Brook Lopez has regressed this season, 32-year-old Rip Hamilton has lost his juice, and the collection of Travis Outlaw, Jordan Farmar, Kris Humphries and Sasha Vujacic doesn't exactly inspire championship confidence.
There is no chance that the Nets could beat Boston, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta or even New York in a playoff series, and it's not as if they'd be giving themselves flexibility to make more moves.
The Nets Would Sabotage Their Future
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See this picture? That's NBA Commissioner David Stern shaking the hand of the third pick in last year's draft, Derrick Favors.
Say goodbye to this image, New Jersey, because in return for Anthony you would give up at least two first-round draft picks.
No more strapping young men in finely tailored suits greeting the commish. No more emerging talent excited to begin their career with the Nets.
If this trade doesn't turn them into title contenders, then completing the championship puzzle becomes that much more difficult without the draft as a resource.
Fast forward three years. New Jersey has not challenged for a title, and Carmelo is expected to leave when his contract expires. Where does that leave the Nets? Back at square one.
The Nets' "Plan" To Sign Chris Paul Has No Legs
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The Nets purportedly have a long-range plan that includes signing Chris Paul (or possibly Deron Williams) in his free agent summer of 2012. They've apparently done the salary cap calculus and the Hornets' point guard has apparently expressed interest.
But wasn't LeBron apparently supposed to go to the Knicks last year? You can never count on future "plans" in the NBA, because you never really know the mindset of these mercurial millionaires, not to mention the myriad other factors that could change.
Don't forget that the league still needs to renegotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement this summer, and the financial climate of the NBA might be completely different.
Although Chris Paul certainly could join New Jersey and a Melo-CP3 combo certainly would be dangerous, it is foolish to hold any expectations.
Mikhail Prokhorov Just Wants To Make a Splash
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Why exactly are the Nets enthusiastic about this deal? Do they truly believe that this is a step in the direction of the elite?
Or does new owner Mikhail Prokhorov simply want to prove that he's a legitimate player in the league?
The Russian billionaire has talked a big game since he acquired the Nets last summer, but he hasn't walked the walk. He struck out on the best free agent market in a decade (unless you call the inking of Travis Outlaw a hit), and it is well-publicized that he yearns to throw his weight and money around, showing he means business.
Trading for Carmelo might be Prokhorov's way of yelling, "Honey, I'm home!" even if it isn't the greatest basketball decision.
Carmelo Wants To Be a New York Knick
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Carmelo hasn't played coy like LeBron James. He wants to be a New York Knick.
Although he's been very tactful in recent interviews, his desire to play in Madison Square Garden is not a secret. Anthony and his wife are both from New York, and he he has said it would be his "ultimate dream" to play there.
Yeah, Melo's from Brooklyn, where the Nets are relocating in two years, but New York will always be a Knicks town. Playing in the New York means wearing the blue and orange; Melo cannot do anything to change that.
Carmelo Could Win a Title With the Knicks
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Last year the Knicks were 29-53. After the offseason additions of Amar'e Stoudemire and Raymond Felton, New York has started the season 22-17 and gotten the city excited about basketball again.
Adding Melo to the mix gives the Knicks enough talent to challenge in the East, especially if they can keep Danilo Gallinari.
If Anthony honestly cares more about winning championships, then the Knicks are probably his best option.
