Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Knicks or Lakers, Which Makes More Sense for Melo?
Just when we thought that we had this Carmelo Anthony thing figured out, the Lakers throw their hat into the ring confuse the situation even more.
Now, the Nuggets have options with rumors swirling about possible trades with the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. But what would be better for Anthony?
Carmelo wants to be in a position to win a ring, which is a big reason talks with the New Jersey Nets finally subsided. Anthony doesn't hold a no-trade clause but did refuse to sign an extension.
Would Los Angeles or New York be the best place for Anthony to land? Let's find out.
5. New York Knicks: Room for Anthony in Offense
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There's no question about where Anthony fits into the New York's lineup: front and center.
Amar'e would be fine having the offense flowing through him only half of the time if it meant the Knicks were championship contenders.
Having Raymond Felton running a fast-paced offense would be fun for Anthony. Getting up and down the court would open up his offensive game.
5. Los Angeles Lakers: Finally Melo Gets a Co-Pilot
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Carmelo Anthony has enjoyed being the Nuggets No. 1 and only scoring dynamo. But Anthony knows that it takes more than one to win a championship.
Anthony alongside of Kobe Bryant would be one of the NBA's most potent duo, rivaling LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. If one is cold, he only need defer to the other. You can't double either when they're both on the floor.
Anthony wouldn't have to sacrifice much scoring at all.
4. New York Knicks: Anthony Can Become a New York Hero
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Move to New York, and Anthony would have the the opportunity to raise a maligned franchise from the ashes. The Knicks haven't won an NBA championship since 1973. They're getting a little antsy in New York.
With possibilities come expectations, but if Anthony failed in creating a champion in New York, nobody would think the worse of him. It's what nobody else has done in more than 30 years. But if he does it, start building the statue outside of Madison Square Garden before the championship parade.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: L.A. Offers No Pressure
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If Los Angeles fails to win a championship with Anthony on the roster, the onus won't be on him. That's Kobe Bryant's team.
Sometimes being the No. 1 has its faults. Anthony can slide in as the second or even third-best Laker and just do his thing. There's no pressure, especially if he jumps ship after the year and heads to New York anyway.
3. New York Knicks: Anthony Makes New York the Place to be
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If Anthony heads to Los Angeles, he joins a loaded locker room. If he heads to New York, he loads the locker room.
With Amar'e Stoudemire and Anthony on the squad with Raymond Felton playing at near all-star levels, the Knicks suddenly become the hot team for free agents.
Rumors twirl around Chris Paul moving to New York in 2012. Who else might want in?
3. Los Angeles Lakers: Anthony Could Plant the Seeds for a Long Term Deal
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Right now, a trade that takes Anthony to Los Angeles would only end in a short term deal. His contract expires at the end of the season no matter what team he is on.
But if things go well with the Lakers, the possibilities could expand. Why wouldn't Los Angeles make a run at signing Anthony long term if they could keep their championship pedigree upheld?
Anthony could sow the seeds of a better option with a short stay in Los Angeles.
2. New York Knicks: Anthony Would be the No. 1 Man
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Carmelo Anthony has pretty much always been the best player on his team. There may have been a time when Anthony was a high school freshman and some senior had the better game, but, from college on, it's not even debatable.
If that's what he's used to and that's what he wants, Anthony would rather be in New York. Amar'e Stoudemire is a great player, but Anthony would be the big man in the Big Apple.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: L.A. Does Not Need a Savior
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The Lakers could lose Andrew Bynum, receive nobody new and still be one of the top three teams in the Western Conference. They've done it before while Bynum was hurt.
Coming into that situation can alleviate pressure from Anthony since he won't be expected to create a championship contender. Instead, he would be joining one and would be credited with taking it over the top if the Lakers complete their championship three-peat.
1. New York Knicks: It's Where He's Always Wanted to be
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Anthony has been clear about his desire to end up in New York. Talks of he and New Orleans' Chris Paul planning to end up in Madison Square Garden together after Paul would opt out of his contract in 2012 have buzzed for over a year.
Anthony can finally get to New York and play basketball in the "Mecca" of basketball. Los Angeles is great, but getting a head start on Anthony's dreams would be better.
1. Los Angeles Lakers: Melo Gets His Chance to Win Now
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Even if Anthony sees his championship future in New York, what's wrong with picking up a ring now on the West coast? Los Angeles is in a position to compete now, whereas the Knicks are a project of the future.
Although a trade that sends Andrew Bynum to Denver changes the complexion of the Lakers, it's just trading one championship formula that isn't working right now for another.
Who Else is Involved in the Potential Trades?
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If Anthony were to go to New York, reportedly, the Knicks would send Eddy Curry and his expiring contract and Anthony Randolph to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Wilson Chandler to Denver. Minnesota would ship Corey Brewer to Denver.
That would end with all teams well compensated. Denver's losing Anthony at the end of the year so getting Brewer and Chandler would be a nice consolation prize.
If Anthony heads to Los Angeles, Andrew Bynum would be heading back to Denver as the main piece, reportedly. Ron Artest would not be going to Denver. There might be another piece. But getting just Bynum wouldn't be bad for Denver. He's struggled with injuries but, if he gets healthy, he's a block to build a team around.
How Would the Team React to Either Deal?
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What would the rest of the league rather happen? Well, does the league want a championship contender to try to get better or for a middling playoff team to bolster itself?
The league would rather see Anthony go to New York. Even with Anthony, New York isn't a threat right now. Without Anthony, the Lakers already are. Put Anthony on the floor with them and who knows what the potential is.
Conclusion: Anthony Would be Best Served in Los Angeles
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New York will be there next season if Anthony wants it. Los Angeles probably won't be. This is a chance for Anthony to reach out and snatch at a championship ring while Denver and New York only offer sniffs.
If Antony wants to play in New York long term then fine. It's going to be there after Anthony plays the final final five months in Los Angeles.
And why not enjoy some warm weather?
