Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: What Should the Denver Nuggets Do?

The Denver Nuggets have explored all options when it comes to trading their superstar Carmelo Anthony. Several teams have shown interest in the eight year forward out of Syracuse over the past few months, including the Knicks, Nets, Rockets, Bobcats, Bulls, and most recently, the Lakers.

The Nuggets have decided to sit back and take their time deciding what to do with Carmelo Anthony, and it's going to cost them.

Just a few weeks back, the Nuggets had an offer on the table from the New Jersey Nets that included the third pick in this year's draft, highly-coveted forward Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and multiple first-round picks. The main pieces to this trade were big-time players/prospects that could really help the Nuggets build going forward.

Right now, from what we can see, the offers currently on the table are not nearly as good as this one. Recent developments suggest Carmelo Anthony could be dealt to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, possible role players, bad contracts and a few late first-rounders.

The Nuggets made a big mistake waiting this one out. When the Nets pulled out in mid-January, the Nuggets should have come to their senses and made a deal. Now, the situation has just become a big mess and a nightmare for the Nuggets.

Carmelo Anthony seems confused as to what he wants, and his ambiguity isn't helping the Nuggets make their decision. Carmelo has come out and said that if the Nuggets fail to trade him by the deadline, he may still consider signing an extension with the team. Now, the Nuggets must re-evaluate whether or not it's worth the risk keeping Anthony with the possibility of receiving no compensation.

Perhaps the biggest winner of Melo's statement is, in fact, the Nuggets, if they decide to take advantage. The New York Knicks may have thought they could wait for Melo to sign during free agency, but now that he has said he will consider an extension, everything changes.

If Anthony decides to wait until this summer to sign with the Knicks, it will likely cost him a lot of money.

Under a new collective bargaining agreement, he will not be able to attract the type of money he could right now. The Knicks thought they might be able to get him at a discount, but if Melo would consider signing an extension elsewhere, trade talks may become more serious leading up to the deadline. 

The Nuggets and Knicks have had talks recently, and will continue to have them through the deadline. Ken Berger of CBS sports has reported that the talks between New York and Denver "are expected to become 'more extensive'" during All-Star weekend, as executives from both sides will be able to meet face to face.

Whether or not this will ultimately lead to a deal is questionable, but if the Nuggets play their cards correctly, they could still salvage the handling of their superstar.

If the Nuggets don't think they have a shot to sign Melo to an extension after the deadline, they'd better make other teams think they do. The Nuggets are losing leverage quickly, and they must use this opportunity to trade him. 

While Carmelo may look more confused than ever right now, this move could end up benefiting him greatly. The Knicks may have to trade for Anthony now, which could lead to an extension before the new CBA. This would certainly work out in Carmelo's favor. This could be a strategic move by Anthony, but whether or not it will work remains to be seen.

Keep close tabs on this situation in the coming weeks. Progress made during the All-Star break could ultimately determine where Anthony ends up.