Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: 10 Moves the New Jersey Nets Should Make Next
The NBA blockbuster trade involving Carmelo Anthony that seemed like it was taking forever to get done, has finally been put to rest—or so we think.
New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov addressed the media on Wednesday, explaining he is not happy with the way the trade has gone and how it has taken too long and been played out too much. Therefore, the New Jersey Nets made the decision to pull out of the Carmelo Anthony trade talks.
With that being said, the Nets are now going to take a good look and see what other players are available around the league. Avery Johnson's club has been struggling to find an identity and are very much so in the market to make a move before the Feb. 24 NBA trade deadline.
Let's take a look at 10 potential moves the New Jersey Nets could make next.
10. Trade for Andre Iguodala
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The Nets currently sit at 11-31, which is the second worst record in the Eastern Conference. They have been in trade talks throughout this season, with the big trade involving Carmelo Anthony coming to a close this week.
If the Nets truly believe they are going to be a contender in the East this season, then they have to go after a player that is going to make an immediate impact on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. One player that comes to mind is Andre Iguodala. He has been a hot name in the NBA trade talks, and the 76ers have made it clear they are looking to move him with the right offer.
If the Nets can somehow manage to acquire a player like Iguodala without getting rid of Brook Lopez, Derrick Favors or more than one of their many upcoming draft picks, then they should pull the trigger on a deal like this. Iguodala is a proven scorer in this league, who can defend well when needed, which he showed for Team USA this past summer.
9. Trade for Kevin Martin
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Martin is a guy that the Nets have expressed interest in as of late. He would make a great addition to a backcourt that is in need of a true scoring shooting guard.
The only issue here, which is why this potential acquisition isn't higher up on the list, is the Rockets are searching for a star addition of their own and are holding onto their best trade assets, including Martin, until a star becomes available.
New Jersey has both youth and draft picks they can use as trade bait. But unless something changes in the Rockets' plan, they are more likely to look for a superstar via trade or free agency. No one on the Nets roster fits that mold of a superstar player at this point in time.
8. Look To Aquire a Veteran Point Guard
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The Nets had their best years when Jason Kidd was running the point for them.
Since the departure of Kidd, the Nets have been searching for that type of veteran leadership, and while Devin Harris is a solid NBA basketball player, he just doesn't bring that type of savvy and leadership that this team desperately needs to become an NBA contender again.
Avery Johnson was that type of solid, veteran leader in his days as a player in the NBA. Now, the Nets new coach would love the chance to acquire a player in that mold who he can work with to be a perfect fit for this team.
If this means getting rid of Harris, then so be it. With a couple of good draft picks and an established NBA point guard with good leadership qualities, the Nets could have the makings of a good team.
7. Make a Trade with the Memphis Grizzlies
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The Nets have shown interest in several of the Grizzlies' pieces. Names like Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo come to mind when thinking of players on Memphis who are tradeable and could make a big impact on the Nets roster.
The only issue with acquiring a player like Randolph is he doesn't necessarily fit the Nets' No. 1 need, which is at the guard or small forward position. However, acquiring a player like Mayo would make a lot of sense because he has the skill set to fit exactly what New Jersey is looking for. He is a shooting guard that can score in bunches.
Again, if the Nets can get a deal like this done without surrendering Lopez, Favors or more than one high draft pick, this could very much be a realistic possibility.
6. Say Goodbye to Troy Murphy
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Murphy is a solid player, but it is obvious he does not fit well in New Jersey.
He is one of the Nets current players whose contract is expiring. Murphy has also had some apparent disagreements with head coach Avery Johnson throughout the course of the season, which is even more reason to send him along the way.
Like I said earlier, Murphy is a good player. He has value in the NBA. Now, it is the Nets job to find out what type of value they can get in return for him.
5. Continue To Build Cap Space
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This will be key for the Nets throughout the next couple of years.
New Jersey is currently somewhere around $45,000 over the cap after making that deal to trade Terrence Williams and Joe Smith for Sasha Vujacic. As it stands now, all the Nets contracts are guaranteed for this year.
The team needs to do all they can to continue to shred any bad contracts they have taken on and free up cap room to make some moves, whether it be through trade or free agency next season.
Remember, being over the cap is not such a bad thing in the NBA. Teams over the cap can acquire up to 25 percent more than the salaries they send away in a trade.
4. Trade for Andre Kirilenko
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The Nets are far from being a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference as it stands right now. While fans might want to see them make a big splash with a trade this season, it might be best for them to make some smaller moves, which will help them in the long run.
A perfect fit for them would be aquiring Andre Kirilenko from the Utah Jazz. Mikhail Prokhorov would love to acquire the fellow Russian, especially if he could do so by trading Troy Murphy in exchange for him.
3. Focus on Free Agents in 2011
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The Nets do not have to make a big time trade this season. They already sport one of the worst records in the NBA this season, and playoffs are a long shot, even if they do improve on their record in the second half of the season.
With that said, it might be in the Nets best interest to stay put and focus on the NBA free agent class in 2011.
While the names do not match the likes of the 2010 class, there are some very good players who will be up for free agency in 2011. Guys like Zach Randolph, Caron Butler and Jamal Crawford are all going to hit the free-agent market come next summer. Then, there are players like David West and Tony Parker who have early termination options in their contracts as well.
There is a lot of talent out there that will become available to the Nets after this season. And with the idea of moving to Brooklyn and an owner that has more money than any other owner in the league, the Nets have some quality sales pitches to sell these players on in the near future.
2. Trade for Monta Ellis
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It wouldn't come cheap, but landing Monta Ellis would be an ideal move for a team like the New Jersey Nets, who desperately need some scoring in their backcourt.
Ellis currently ranks third in the NBA in scoring behind Kevin Durant and Amare Stoudemire with a 25.9 points per game average. The only issue here is the money, as Ellis is set to make around $11 million per year on a contract that is set until 2014.
But on the other end, the Warriors are looking to make a move too, and it has been reported they value second-year guard Stephen Curry more so than Ellis.
If the Nets could get away with completing this deal without giving up Lopez or Favors, it would be an exceptional acquisition for a team who needs a scorer like Ellis.
1. Continue To Build through the Draft
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Nearly all of New Jersey's time in the past month has been spent trying to get a deal done to acquire Carmelo Anthony. They acquired a number of draft picks along the way, and now that they are no longer in the Carmelo sweepstakes, they are in a position where they don't necessarily have to make a big move.
The Nets have a lot of young talent on their roster and baring any injuries, Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors should both be big-time franchise players for this team in 2-3 years. Now, it might be in the Nets' best interest to lay back on the trade talk and continue to build through the draft and focus on their future.
This year's college basketball class is filled with talented freshman, many of whom are going to be future NBA superstars down the road. These are the type of players the Nets need to continue to fill their roster with, and then, they will build a team that should be a force to be reckoned with down the road.
Shed some cap room, make a few slight roster moves and continue to build through the NBA draft. This is the best move for the Nets at this point in time.
