Breaking News: 3 Team Trade Sends Carmelo Anthony to The New York Knicks
Ever since Carmelo Anthony refused to sign Denver's three year/$65 million contract extension during the offseason, his name has appeared in trade rumors. After hearing about several different trade scenarios where he would end up in New Jersey, Dallas, Minnesota, or even Los Angeles, he will "take his talents" to the city of New York.
Last week, sports fans everywhere learned that the New Jersey Nets had re-entered trade talks for the All-Star forward in Denver. The Nets offered a package that included rookie power forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, and four first-round picks. The Nuggets agreed to the deal pending Carmelo signing the contract extension.
The New York Knicks then were forced to increase their trade offer to nab Carmelo and they have done just that. This evening, the Knicks, Nuggets, and Timberwolves have put together a deal where Carmelo Anthony ends up in New York playing alongside fellow All-Star Amare Stoudemire.
Denver Nuggets Receive: Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks' 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2012 and 2013 second-round picks, Corey Brewer from Minnesota, and $3 million.
New York Knicks Receive: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman.
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry’s expiring contract from the Knicks.
The Nuggets have also discussed trading some of the assets acquired in this deal to the New Jersey Nets for draft picks. That may be another three-team trade involving point guard Devin Harris and the Dallas Mavericks.
It looks as if Carmelo Anthony will get what he desired by playing in New York, while also alongside a fellow superstar in Amare Stoudemire. The threesome of 'Melo, Amare, and Chauncey should be exciting to watch for the second half of the NBA season. The Knicks were already destined to be a playoff team this year, but with the addition of "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have a chance to make a strong push for an NBA title. They would have to go through the likes of Boston, Chicago, and Miami, but they now have the players that could send them to championship status.
