NBA Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony's Best Options
Carmelo Anthony is one of the best pure shooters in the NBA, though lately there has been very little talk of his basketball game, and much more talk about his future destination.
Any team would improve by picking up the all-star small forward, but the race seems to be down to five teams, let's look at where Anthony would fit best.
New Jersey Nets
1 of 6
According to New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, the team is now out of the race for 'Melo. But it isn't over until it is over.
The Nets are an attractive option for Anthony. They may not have the glamour of the New York Knicks, but they are partially owned by hip hop legend Jay Z, and it must seem like an interesting prospect for 'Melo to play on the future Brooklyn team.
The Nets have some good chips that could make a good team focused around Anthony. Lopez, Harris, Humphries and Favors are all decent players, but the question remains: Is Anthony the kind of player you can build a franchise around?
He has proved in Denver that despite being one of the greatest scorers in the game, he is not able to lead a team to championship glory. Considering the Nets have lost three out of the four games they have played in February, 'Melo would certainly represent a step up for them. It is unlikely 'Melo will go to the Nets if he is really interested in chasing championships.
New York Knicks
2 of 6
This is the most popular choice in the rumour mill, and one that would be very satisfying for both parties.
The Knicks would get, with Anthony, a second marquee player to add to their basketball mecca. On the other hand, Anthony and his wife would get to live the high life in their home town. Sounds pretty good?
This would also possibly lead to the New Yorker's dream scenario of Anthony, Stoudemire and CP3 all united for an NY big three. This would be necessary, as just adding Anthony won't instantly propel the Knicks above the veteran Celtics and the explosive Heat.
Also, if they were to really become championship contenders, 'Melo would need to grow a defensive game, as at this point Anthony doesn't have a good answer defensively for the players he would be facing often in the East.
This is the most likely option if 'Melo decides to go to free agency and doesn't get traded.
Chicago Bulls
3 of 6
This is another trade that has apparently been nixed. Once again, it isn't over until it is over, and this might be bigger than the summer of LeBron.
Adding Anthony to a team featuring possible MVP Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, might put them over the top as the best team in the east. The Bulls are one of the few teams who are looking at Anthony that are actually already good defensively so Anthony's greatest crutch wouldn't be such a problem.
While this is the trade sought out by the Nuggets that fell through because the Bulls were not willing to depart with injured center Joakim Noah, this is still a titillating prospect for Bulls fans.
Whether Anthony would want to go to the Bulls is another question—they would instantly be in the title race with him, but they aren't as big a market as Anthony seems to crave.
Los Angeles Lakers
4 of 6
This is one of the more fascinating prospects to pop up in recent days. A superstar like Anthony going to the back-to-back champion Lakers.
It seems to tick all the boxes for both parties. The Lakers would get a marquee player young enough and explosive enough to grow the future of one of the most storied NBA franchises around, and Anthony gets to play in a big market and on a championship contender.
The worry is that the Lakers would have to sacrifice too much in order to get 'Melo (the rumour being Anthony for Bynum and Artest). Also, how would 'Melo fit with the Lakers? While Kobe has settled down a lot, he has been known to clash with other big names and big egos.
This would also give Anthony's wife the opportunity to pursue her acting career (there is always a woman behind the man, pulling the strings).
Denver Nuggets
5 of 6
People seem to have realised just recently that Anthony is still playing with the Denver Nuggets.
Recently, Anthony told the media he would consider signing a contract extension with the Nuggets if he wasn't traded. While that is not exactly a glowing endorsement and certainly not a done deal, it may hint that 'Melo's mind is actually in the right place.
He may be focusing more on basketball than thinking about where he will end up. And think about how well-loved he would be if he stayed with Denver, particularly with the summer of LeBron so fresh in the minds of sports fans.
If the Nuggets could attract any other good players during free agency and shed dead weight like Nene, this may just be the best possibility for Carmelo Anthony.
Conclusion
6 of 6
So where do you think Carmelo Anthony will be playing next season, and—more importantly—why?
Will he skip the mountains of Denver for the bright lights of New York? Will he join Kobe in LA? Or will he end up somewhere else entirely? Only time will tell, but until then, let the speculation fly!
