NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony and 5 Players Who Aren't Leaving
For much of the season, analysts, beat writers and even players have been speculating what players are going to be moved, when they are going to be moved, and whom they are going to be moved for.
After all that talk, it just isn't much fun to cover.
For this article, I am talking about five players that I think will be staying where they are through the trade deadline. The free agent market is much too far away to predict, so I am going to keep predictions to the next couple weeks.
Let me know what you think.
5. Ricky Rubio
1 of 5
The talks surrounding Ricky Rubio's rights leaving Minnesota have died down, but it is still a possibility, especially if the Wolves make a serious attempt at Steve Nash or Monta Ellis.
Still, as much as it kills me, I don't think Rubio is going anywhere.
It doesn't make much sense, but Minnesota is intent on keeping him. He doesn't seem like he would fit their triangle offense very well, but the management seems to be keeping him out of pride.
David Kahn wants to prove this pick was right, but it may cost the T-Wolves a few productive seasons.
4. Monta Ellis
2 of 5
Does anyone legitimately think the Warriors are going to be competitive any time soon? No? Good. Then why do they feel they need to decide between their score-first, defense optional guards? Good question.
Watching Ellis and Stephen Curry on the offensive end is special. They are two of the most unique scorers in the league and we can watch them at the same time!
Golden State doesn't want this to happen.
For some reason, they think they need to trade for defense in order to compete, but they are not one move away from contention.
Once they figure that out, they will keep Ellis and Curry and fans will continue to be entertained.
3. Deron Williams
3 of 5
A lot of people want his head after the Jerry Sloan incident. Why? Sloan is already gone, which leaves no reason to give away Williams simply out of spite or principle.
I understand he may have been (probably was) in the wrong, but what's done is done.
No need to dwell on it.
Utah may not be competing for a finals appearance any time soon, but if they move Williams, they will (more than likely) cripple themselves for at least five seasons.
He is their best player, he makes everyone else better and he would be sure to destroy them every time his new team would come to town. The Jazz know that, they know better than to move him.
If they would have been able to move him before Sloan resigned, I could see a little justification. However, Sloan is gone and the Jazz know that moving Williams would be a rash decision they would regret.
2. Steve Nash
4 of 5
This slide is depressing to write. Steve Nash should leave. There is no reason Phoenix should keep him!
They traded their away their best chance of competing for Vince Carter!! Vince Carter?!?! Wow, and Nash has nothing to say? Perfect.
He is a great point guard, teammate, leader, and (unfortunately) person. If only he had the gall to leave the team waiting, hold a TV special for his favorite charity and demand that Phoenix allow him to take his talents anywhere that is a relative contender.
Anywhere! The man deserves it.
He is one of the classiest guys in the league and that may be his downfall. I would say his prime is behind him, but Nash does have a season or two of great basketball in him.
Unfortunately, it may be wasting away in Phoenix. For whatever selfish reason, the Suns are intent on keeping him.
Nash deserves better. Unfortunately, that better situation isn't going to happen because the Suns won't move him. Oh well.
1. Carmelo Anthony
5 of 5
Teams have been in conversation. Teams have been out of conversations. He's had his bags packed. He's had his bags unpacked. Now what?
To be honest, nothing.
Regardless of where he's going to end up, Carmelo will stay in Denver until the summer.
Melo's immaturity towards the situation makes The Decision look like a kind gesture. He hasn't been public; yet, everyone can still tell he's pouting. He wants out. It's fine, but it won't happen.
He has picked up his play in February (30.6 ppg in his last five) and his numbers are above his career averages across the board.
Still, Denver has no real reason to hurry. Who cares if he doesn't want to be there? He has proven that he will still play.
The Nuggets might as well keep an uninspired star than move him.
They aren't going anywhere with or without him, so they might as well keep him. They are afraid of losing him without receiving compensation, but most of the packages that I've heard are sub-par.
If they aren't going to get much in return, there is no reason to move him.
If nothing else, Denver ought to send a message to the rest of their team that they are not going to adhere to anyone's demands. When it comes down to it, keep him is all they really can do, right?
