Carmelo Anthony wants to leave Denver and the Nets want him in Brooklyn. It's a perfect fit... at the right price, of course.
Anthony was born in Brooklyn and he has the chance to emerge as the face of billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov's new venture. Rumors have the Nets among the favorites to land Anthony because of their assets.
The New York Post's Fred Kerber suggests even Brook Lopez is in play. That notion is where trade discussions should end.
Minus Lopez, the Nets could still offer the best package for Anthony. Denver is pursuing young talent and draft picks, both of which New Jersey can offer. Terrence Williams, Derrick Favors, and even Devin Harris should put other offers to shame.
Billy King would be wise to call Denver's bluff if the request is Lopez.
Denver knows Anthony is leaving town one way or another - via trade or free agency. The Nuggets won't risk losing him for an uninspired season and a 'thanks for everything.'
New Denver general manager Masa Ujiri wants to maximize his return, and make a Jason Kidd-like heist in his first marquee move.
Other teams looking at plucking Anthony from Ujiri's grasp: the New York Knicks, the Houston Rockets, the New Orleans Hornets, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Knicks and Hornets don't have the young assets Denver would require. New Orleans, especially, after dealing Darren Collison earlier this summer for Trevor Ariza.
The Clippers, with Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin, do have the firepower, but does Carmelo want to play second fiddle to Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles?
The Nets have the assets and the location to lure Anthony. The pieces are in place to make a deal happen without giving up Lopez.
Billy King needs to avoid the panic button. Patience is the better part of valor here.
Denver will realize that New Jersey has the best package to offer, it just might take a little time while Ujiri tries to hold one team hostage.
Comments
The Nets want Melo in Newark, in a great arena.
Brooklyn is still a few years away.
Don't trade Brook under any circumstance.
derrick favors and devin harris for carmelo....woohoo
Favors, Williams, Outlaw, 2 #1's and 2 #2's. Done. Although I would really like to see what this roster can do for a couple of months first. If they play well out of the box, take the offer off of the table. That is a lot to give up for a one dimensional player ( Even if that one dimension is incredible)
don't give up brook. I think they should give up damion james devin harris and a draft pick. Derrick Favors will be good, he's just young and getting new to the system. Or u can give up outlaw too. Thats a good deal. I know basketball and i am a huge nets fan. Lets go NETS!!!!!
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