NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Joining Los Angeles Lakers?
The Carmelo Anthony trade rumors got a little bit more interesting this morning.
ESPN's Chris Broussard was the first to report that the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets have had preliminary discussions about a trade that would bring Anthony into the Hollywood spotlight.
While Denver reportedly has no interest in a declining Ron Artest (and who could blame them?), the Nuggets have asked for a package built around young center Andrew Bynum.
Although a straight-up Bynum for Melo swap would work financially, the Lakers would be expected to absorb some of the Nuggets' unfavorable contracts in addition to Anthony should they hope to concoct a deal.
This trade would dramatically shift the balance of power not only in the Western Conference, but throughout the entire NBA.
The Lakers would not only improve their chances in the pursuit of a third consecutive championship for this season, but would strengthen their long-term outlook considerably by acquiring the All-Star and signing him to an extension.
Although Bynum is still just 23 years old, the Lakers (and their fans) have clearly grown tired of the constant knee troubles that have seemed to greatly limit his potential and sapped some of the explosiveness from his game. Although it would be tough to move a guy with a ceiling as high as Bynum's, Carmelo isn't just any player.
If they add Anthony, the Lakers would have three of the league's top 15 players on the same roster and will have a comparable "Big Three" to any other that has been established throughout the league. Lamar Odom would slide into the starting lineup, and the Lakers would feature a starting five of Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.
That's beyond impressive.
The championship formula changed drastically when the Boston Celtics introduced their trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, and it seems that just about everyone has taken notice.
For the Nuggets, a return centered around Bynum is infinitely more attractive than either of the previously reported deals being negotiated with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks. In fact, one NBA general manager even went as far as to say that if the Knicks landed Carmelo for Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and Wilson Chandler, it would be the biggest heist in NBA history.
It's hard to disagree, although I'm fairly certain that the draft-day trade that sent Vlade Divac to the then-Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant will go down as the most lopsided deal ever.
Regardless, a young, healthy Bynum gives the Nuggets a legitimate presence in the middle of the lane for the foreseeable future. With Nene Hilario looking to exercise his early termination clause after this season, that would surely help boost Denver's front line.
Additionally, Bynum would provide the Nuggets (and their fans) with a name more recognizable than either Derrick Favors (NJ) or Wilson Chandler (NY). If the team is serious about dealing Anthony without alienating its supporters, it's time to get serious about the potential return.
A proposed deal may look something like this:
Los Angeles Receives
SF Carmelo Anthony, SF/PF Renaldo Balkman
Denver Receives
C Andrew Bynum, SG Shannon Brown, SF Devin Ebanks, Multiple Draft selections
While this is and will continue to be speculative until we get closer to the trade deadline, it's clear that the Lakers are looking to make a big splash after the team's recent subordinate play.
It should be fun to watch unfold.
