Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Why Melo Should Be Mad at Himself for Failed Deal
Carmelo Anthony trade rumors should be dying down now that New Jersey announced yesterday that it is out of the sweepstakes for the superstar player.
It was a long journey and both teams thought they were close a couple of times along the way, but it was too pricey for the Nets, who backed out of the deal yesterday during a press conference. The big loser in this is Anthony, who doesn't get out of Denver and doesn't get his extension. Those are just a couple of reasons Anthony should be angry at himself now that this trade is done.
Inside are 10 reasons why and if you agree or disagree, make sure to leave it in the comments.
No. 10: It Started Rumors About His Wife
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As these trade talks proceeded, rumors started about his wife.
Carmelo Anthony is married to former MTV personality LaLa Vasquez and the word was that she didn't want to go to New Jersey and that she was part of the reason that New York was such a big destination for Anthony.
He's tried to squash these rumors, but they certainly didn't help matters and now his wife looks like the bad guy to some people in NBA circles.
No. 9: He Wasted Everyone's Time
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How long have trade talks been going on between New Jersey and Denver?
It's been months with different pieces and teams involved, but during that time, Denver focused in on the Nets as the best opportunity to move Anthony and during that time, the Nuggets could have been looking for other destinations.
Not only that, but Anthony really slowed things down and seemed to be stalling the whole time. It was a colossal waste of time for everyone involved, especially Anthony, who had to answer questions about the trade on a daily basis.
He could have just squashed the deal early on.
No. 8: Running Out of Options
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Now that New Jersey is out on Carmelo Anthony, what are Denver's options?
The Knicks are there, but they don't have what Denver wants in return. Houston and Dallas would be interested in a rental, but Anthony wants the extension now, so that makes things a little complicated in terms of making a deal.
Denver may be stuck with him until the end of the season and Anthony may be stuck in a situation that he doesn't want to be in.
No. 7: He Has Kept Denver Hanging
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While this whole saga has played out, Carmelo Anthony has kept Denver's hopes alive by teasing that he could sign the extension with Denver.
Let's be honest, if he wanted to be a Nugget next year, Anthony would have already signed the extension and all of this could have been avoided. This kind of talk has angered some fans and he's not exactly making fans by doing this.
He should just be honest and let Denver know he's not coming back, but now he's got to pretend like the Nuggets have a chance to keep him after this season.
No. 6: Looked Like A Spoiled Star
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From this whole saga, Carmelo Anthony is not looked at the same as he used to be.
Anthony has looked like he's forcing his way out of Denver (and make no mistake, he's certainly trying to) and after the "Summer of LeBron," where we've had stars try and team up, Anthony is being lumped in with guys like LeBron James for all of the wrong reasons.
It's not a good look for Anthony at all and his reputation will continue to take a hit.
No. 5: His Team Is Underachieving
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To say this trade saga has been a distraction has been an understatement.
For a team who was in the Western Conference Finals two years ago, this has been a disappointing season to say the least. Denver is third in the Northwest division and seventh in the Western Conference. The Nuggets have a lot of talent, but it hasn't amounted to much.
I think a lot of it has to do with the distraction this trade has been all season long and it might not get better for a guy who is looking for a championship.
No. 4: He Hurt His Trade Leverage
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All along, it seems like Carmelo Anthony's destination has been made up in his mind for some time.
Everyone believes he wants to play for the New York Knicks, so it's clear why this trade fell apart. Why would the Nets want to trade for a guy who clearly doesn't want to be there and would rather spend his days in Madison Square Garden?
That is a major reason this trade fell apart and the Knicks don't have the pieces that Denver wants so Carmelo won't be able to have his cake and eat it too. It's either get your money elsewhere, or get less money to come to New York.
No. 3: Lost His Best Chance to Get Traded
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New Jersey really had all of the pieces that Denver wanted.
Sure, the Nuggets got greedy during the trade talks, but the Nets and Nuggets wanted to make a deal work and had the pieces to do so. Now that New Jersey is out on Anthony, there aren't many suitors left. Teams like Houston and Dallas would be willing to do a deal without a contract, but that's risky and Denver may not like what it is offered.
The Knicks are another option but they could always wait and sign him as a free agent. Anthony may want to get ready to play out the year in Denver. Anthony's scuffling helped eliminate the best option for a trade and now he's stuck there in an increasingly toxic situation.
No. 2: He Alienated The Fans in Denver
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The fans in Denver used to love Carmelo Anthony. Now, not so much.
In recent days, the fans have started to turn on Anthony for how this whole trade saga has played out. They booed Anthony as recently as Wednesday night and that was after he carried Denver to a win over Oklahoma City.
Now that he's not going to New Jersey, it could be a couple of very long months in Denver for Anthony. The boo birds will be out in full force when Anthony takes the floor and it's all his fault.
No. 1: He Left Money On The Table
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New Jersey would have been happy to ink Carmelo Anthony to a big, fat extension.
Too bad he never took it though. If Anthony hits free agency, there's no telling what his next contract will be after a lockout. There will be a new agreement in place and if Anthony wants to get his money, now is the time to do it.
With the trade to New Jersey dead, that money went with it and he cost himself millions of dollars.
