NBA Trade Rumors: Why Houston Could Go for Carmelo, Form Super Team

Speculation on the fate of Carmelo Anthony have taken up most of the columns, blogs and articles devoted to NBA rumors. Denver looks to be trading their superstar so that he won't leave them with nothing in return.

A trade would also be advantageous for Anthony because he could sign an extension and get his money secured for the next several years. Carmelo, however, does not want to be traded to just any team; he apparently would like to go to a winning, big-market team.

The Knicks would seem to have a leg up because they are in the largest market in the NBA and Anthony allegedly would like to return to his hometown as well. The Nets were the main team that was involved in trade talks for the superstar, but they have since pulled out. The Chicago Bulls have also received their fair share of speculation.

But the team that should get more attention and may be the top dark horse? The Houston Rockets.

Between their draft picks, talent, trade exceptions, expiring contracts and specifically Yao Ming's huge expiring contract, half of which is covered by insurance, the Rockets may have the most attractive trade assets. Additionally, Houston is the fourth-largest market in the NBA, so that should satisfy the big-market desires.

And Houston would be left with plenty of pieces to complement 'Melo.

Next, I would like to direct your attention to the Utah Jazz. Although there has not been as much speculation regarding Deron Williams' future, that may soon change. Utah has struggled lately and Williams seems to be frustrated after seeing teammate after teammate leave (Boozer, Brewer, Matthews, Korver etc.), losing lots of games, and living in Salt Lake City, which may be a great city and certainly has good fans, but may not be an NBA player's destination of choice.

Every good team needs a good point guard, and Williams is one of the best. Houston has the resources to pursue Williams (or Chris Paul) as well.

Here is a potential trade that could make Houston the next big thing. Several draft picks and cash would also go from Houston to Utah and Denver.

Utah gets three nice young players (Brooks, Lee, Hill), draft picks to help rebuild, and savings. Denver gets several nice young players as well, draft picks (including New York's 2012 pick), HUGE (and I mean HUGE!, as in about $25 million this year alone, and much more in the future) money savings, and gets rid of all of their bad long-term contracts.

On the downside for Houston, they would take on huge amounts of salary for a long time. But they would have a dominant starting lineup, and still have one of the best benches in the league. Imagine this:

C Nene

PF Luis Scola

SF Carmelo Anthony

SG Kevin Martin

PG Deron Williams

Bench

Brad Miller

Chris Anderson

Al Harrington

Terrence Williams

Kyle Lowry

Raja Bell

Chuck Hayes

Houston would obviously become a contender. That would be like the Miami Heat but with depth. The only thing left would be a good nickname.

This is of course far-fetched; for one it is so big, and also I don't expect Utah to look at trading Williams just yet. These plus other factors make it unlikely. However, it does make some sense, and Houston fans should keep their collective fingers crossed that they'll finally catch their elusive dynasty...

P.S. Chris Paul instead