Carmelo Anthony To The New Jersey Nets? Who Would Get The Better Of The Deal?
We've heard the trade rumors for several weeks now.
The New Jersey Nets went from the favorites to land Melo, to pulling out of the sweepstakes altogether, to now one of the final two teams vying for his services.
The Denver Nuggets want to get as much as possible for their superstar small forward and the trade would certainly benefit the Nuggets in the future.
However, the Nets would get the better of the deal right now and here are five reasons why.
5. Denver Nuggets Looking For Salary Relief
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At first, the Nuggets seemed to be going all in for Melo, as they offered him a three-year $65 million contract extension.
However, Melo wants out of Denver, so the Nuggets have shifted gears.
Not only would they be moving Melo's salary, but they would also rid themselves of Chauncey Billups' salary.
Denver would net two budding stars in Devin Harris and Derrick Favors, as well as four first-round draft picks to help in their rebuilding process.
The Nets would get the better of the deal in this case, because they would acquire a bona fide star rather than taking a chance on developing players and draft picks.
The trade may wind up benefiting the Nuggets in the future, but for right now, the Nets would have the advantage.
4. A Trade Keeps Melo Away From "Rival" Knicks
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The Knicks and Nets have developed quite a rivalry over the last few months. However, this rivalry has not exactly occurred on the court.
The Nets bought a huge ad right outside Madison Square Garden, with owner Mikhail Prokhorov and part-owner Jay-Z's face overlooking the Knicks' arena.
In response, the Knicks erected a banner of Amar'e Stoudemire at the construction site of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Whatever team acquires Melo would make a huge statement in the NY metro area.
For the Nets, Melo would mean a return to relevance. They have struggled through the last few seasons, but bringing in Melo may also lure other big name free agents to Newark and, in a few years, Brooklyn.
The Nets, not the Knicks, would be the talk of the town for a change.
3. Nets Become an Instant Contender
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This trade would benefit New Jersey because it allows the Nets to become an instant contender.
Once again, the Nuggets would be preparing for their future, but it is very difficult to replace a player like Melo.
The Nets wouldn't all of a sudden become the Celtics, Magic or Heat in the Eastern Conference, but they would certainly make a bid for a playoff spot each year.
Since Chauncey Billups would also be involved in the deal, the Nets would be able to replace Devin Harris with a player who owns an impressive resume, including an NBA Championship for the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Billups was also the NBA Finals MVP that year.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, would be left with Nene and J.R. Smith, but they too are on the trading block, as Denver is shooting for a complete overhaul this season.
2. Nets Have Some Pieces in Place
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In the most recent proposed trade, the Nets would be giving up Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four first-round picks for Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Balkman.
Murphy and Uzoh basically ride the bench for the Nets, so it really comes down to Harris and Favors.
Even with this trade, the Nets have some pieces that could make them a competitive team.
Young center Brook Lopez is the type of player the Nets are looking to build around. Kris Humphries, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic have all been strong off the bench as well.
Sharpshooters Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw also would contribute to the team.
The Nets would suddenly be very deep, and depth is important in the NBA.
They would sport a lineup similar to following: Brook Lopez C, Kris Humphries PF, Carmelo Anthony SF, Anthony Morrow SG, Chauncey Billups PG.
With Farmar, Vujacic, Outlaw, Williams, Ely, Balkman and Johan Petro coming off the bench, the Nets would have the makings of a solid roster.
1. Brooklyn Needs a Marketable Face
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The Nets will need a premier face if their move to Brooklyn plans on being successful.
Carmelo Anthony is the answer.
Just look at how Kevin Durant shaped the Seattle SuperSonics' relocation to Oklahoma City. He was a young budding star that a fanbase could and still does rally around
Melo is more seasoned than Durant was at this point in his career, but his career accolades make him an even more marketable face of the franchise.
Melo would rival Jason Kidd and Vince Carter as the most prolific faces in franchise history since the Nets joined the NBA.
This trade would show that the Nets mean business and are prepared to overcome their recent mediocrity.
