'Melodrama Twist: Top Five Destinations After New Jersey Pulls Out
The New Jersey Nets' owner shockingly announced today that his team will no longer pursue a deal for Carmelo Anthony, after trying for months and nearing deals twice. This was pretty shocking news after they had gotten so close, and with their obvious desire to bring in a star.
Although this news is somewhat disappointing after an exciting trade involving 15 players or so was expected (and because it hurts my fantasy team), it does lead to some more speculation (imagine that) about a trade to a different team.
While I don't think it's out of the question for Anthony to remain in Denver for the rest of the year, he still will likely be traded so Denver at least gets something.
A team on the receiving end would have to give up assets, take on salary, and be in a large market so they'll at least have a chance of re-signing the perennial All-Star.
Here are five teams that may be putting Nuggets' management on speed dial in the coming weeks.
5. Chicago Bulls
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Chicago is often mentioned as a destination for stars, and Anthony's reps have contacted the Bulls about making a deal.
A foursome of D-Rose, Boozer, Noah, and Melo would be scary. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear likely. Denver wants Noah but Chicago doesn't want to give him up.
The Bulls just don't seem to have the assets for a trade. They would probably need to bring in a third or even fourth team.
4. L.A. Clippers
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The other L.A. team may finally be looking good behind Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon. Bringing in Carmelo could make them a top team for the first time ever.
They have fairly good trade chips and may have a chance of keeping Melo because they are part of such a large market.
Of course, it is the Clippers we are talking about, so don't hold your breath. A core of Griffin, Anthony, and Gordon sounds pretty good though.
Clippers get:
Carmelo Anthony
Denver gets:
Al-Farouq Aminu
Erik Bledsoe
Chris Kaman
Two first-round picks
Kaman and Bledsoe could go to a a different team in this deal, as Denver probably wouldn't want them too badly.
3. Dallas Mavericks
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Owner Mark Cuban and the Mavericks have not been hesitant in the past to make big deals. Cuban also said he would be willing to play "rent-a-player" if they received an All-Star.
Playing alongside Dirk, Jason Kidd, and a good supporting cast, Melo could help Dallas finally make some more headway in the playoffs. A deal could be something like this:
Dallas gets:
Carmelo Anthony
Al Harrington
Renaldo Balkman
Denver gets:
Roddy Beaubois
Dominique Jones
Caron Butler
Alex Ajinca
DeShawn Stevenson
Two first-round picks and cash
They are a large city and should be a good team for awhile, but I don't think it would be one of Anthony's first choices. Also, I am not sure that Denver will be very interested in Dallas's offers.
2. Houston Rockets
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Houston is always trying to land another star, it seems. They may be willing to take a gamble by trading for Carmelo without an extension in pace.
While I was looking at deals on the Trade Machine, I was surprised by how strong an offer Houston could put in out there. Something like this:
Houston gets:
Carmelo
Nene
Harrington
Balkman
Denver gets:
Courtney Lee
Patrick Patterson
Jordan Hill
Yao Ming
Chase Budinger
First round picks (including New York's next pick)
I don't know if Houston would gamble quite this much for just one year, but you get the idea. Denver gets nice assets and HUGE savings.
A starting lineup of Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin, Carmelo, Luis Scola, and Nene would be very good, and they still might have the best bench in the league after the deal, as well as two more expiring contracts.
Works great on paper if Houston could get Anthony's autograph on an extension.
1. New York Knicks
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Enough has been said about New York and Melo. I'm not sure that Carmelo's game blends well with Amar'e's, but I don't think anyone in New York would pass up the opportunity. They would score like three thousand points per game.
I think that New York should be looking at adding a good starting center, but if you can have two (maybe three, Chris Paul anyone?) stars on a team you should probably go for it.
New York gets:
Carmelo
Harrington
Balkman
Denver gets:
Eddy Curry
Wilson Chandler
Landry Fields
Ronny Turiaf
Kelenna Azubuike
First round pick (to be acquired) and cash
What Carmelo wants, Carmelo gets?
Other Options
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The Nets supposedly won't try again, but I don't 100 percent believe that.
Carmelo may not end up even leaving (remember when Kobe was going to be traded?).
Maybe a different team like Orlando or Golden State or Washington or who knows who can get involved.
