Trade Rumor: ‘Melo to New Jersey
Photo. MannionThis is just a rumor, but this morning’s Bergen Record says that the Nets are looking to shake up their franchise. One scenario involves dealing for Carmelo Anthony. From the article:
Thinking big, the Nets have had exploratory conversations with Denver about Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby, league sources said. Vandeweghe traded for Camby and drafted Anthony in Denver.
Nothing is imminent. The Nuggets are not committed to moving Anthony yet. But after his recent legal troubles plus five straight first-round losses, they are listening to offers for their players.More big names could become available by the end of the playoffs and as the draft nears. All the coaching changes could lead teams to shake up their rosters to fit their style.
Having said that, the Nets have assets to do something: three draft picks, Keith Van Horn’s contract, young players Marcus Williams, Sean Williams, Josh Boone, Richard Jefferson coming off his best statistical season, Nenad Krstic’s contract that they can use in a sign-and-trade and one $3.3 million trade exception from the Jason Kidd deal. (It was two, but the league changed it.)
Things will become a little more clear after the Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, where if everything holds up to the percentages, the Nets will have the No. 10 pick - a nice trading piece.
Can you picture ‘Melo in NJ? And if you’re the Nuggets, do you deal him for any of those assets listed above?
May 15th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Big V says:
There’s nobody on the Nets squad that I would try to acquire for Melo. That said, the Melo/AI experiment isn’t exactly yielding results either. Maybe I’d bite for RJ/Marcus Williams.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:55 am
alex says:
i’d deal AI and hopefully KMART instead. Get rid of George Karl, and find someone who can preach defense and motivate JR Smith
May 15th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Chuck...A source of knowldge for all says:
Naw, I wouldn’t do it. Richard Jefferson’s contract has too many years left on it for 1. His contract isn’t up until 2010. And No way he makes up for what Melo brings to the table in the post and off the dribble in half court offensive sets.
Sean Williams can fly, but he’s gonna need time to develop. Van Horn only gives you 4.3 mil in cap space, but you’re taking on like 16 mil in both the williams and jefferson just to get that chmup change.
Marcus williams would have to show me more than what I have seen, even though, he doesn’t cost me much, (a little over a million a season). He only played 53 games last year, so Denver would be taking him based on potential. Denver needs a playmaker though, and the question would be, can he stay healthy? Can he distribute?
Boone has good size, decent rebounder, good off the bench guy, he doesn’t cost much either.
I don’t know though? Were talking Anthony who is good for 20+ whenever he steps on the floor!
I will say this though. Anthony leaving, would allow J.R. Smith to blossom. That kid is talented, and I believe he could start at the 2 on any team, before Iverson came, dude was lighten teams up!
May 15th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Chuck...A source of knowldge for all says:
Now I think about it, I would get rid of Iverson’s old a*s before I got rid of Melo, Melo has TIME to improve, Iverson is at the end of his career!
But I know New Jersey wouldn’t take him, if they were smart they would!
Iverson’s last contract year is next year, I would make them take Nene while their at it. Nene or Martin, whichever they wanted?
May 15th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Chuck...A source of knowldge for all says:
@alex
right on the money. I hate sounding like I stole your idea, I didn’t see your comment.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:18 am
hahns says:
holy crap…imagine melo and bron on the same team come 2010….i dont know the cap situation, but if they could swing that….
devin harris + melo + bron = eastern conference champs
May 15th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Ross says:
So are the Nuggets officially rebuilding now?
May 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am
springz says:
Trade Melo for Vince….One defense specialist for another.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:56 am
PALakerFan says:
For all the hype, Melo only averages about 3 more PPG than Jefferson. Jefferson’s less of a trouble maker and no doubt trys harder on defense. Plus if you’re the Nuggets and can get a PG for the future in Marcus Williams, a rebounder in Boone or Williams, and a draft pick - I say do it! Rid yourself of the bad press that Melo brings. He can’t get you out of the 1st round anyway.
A closer look at the numbers…
Melo Jefferson
Min/g 36 39
FG% 49 47
3pt% 35 36
FT% 78 80
Reb/g 7.4 4.2
Ast/g 3.4 3.1
Blk/g .5 .3
Stls/g 1.2 .93
FGA/g 19.2 16.2
PPG 25.7 22.6
Age 23 27
Size 6′8″, 230 6′7″, 230
There’s really not much difference between the 2. Melo’s younger and a little better, particularly rebounding. But if you’re Denver and can fill a couple other needs too, that’s a good deal. Both teams would make out in the deal too, cause NYC and NJ eat up that Melo hype like crazy! That would give them a centerpiece for the move to Brooklyn too.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:10 am
rangerjohn says:
just curious, i read about this on espn.com, who makes thse rediculous things up? 1st marbury for diaw/barbosa, now melo/camby to the nets? i kinda cant wait till the playoffs are over so these things are revealed for what they are, FILLER for the teams that have nothing better to do because they are sitting on the boat in cabo fishing (would not mind being in cabo right now, best vactions i have ever had where in cabo)
May 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Juanito says:
melo is still young; they need someone to motivate him to play D and get a different supporting cast around him.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:15 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
If I were Denver I would trade Melo for Jefferson and Marcus Williams. I think with
williams
AI/JR
Jeff
Kenyon
Camby
They are still good enough to get in the playoffs. And maybe even a little stronger on defense.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Dennis Castro says:
Springs, exactly. Trade one player who has no heart for another.
Pretty even deal.
May 15th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
alex says:
@PALakerFan - can’t really compare RJ to Melo since RJ’s numbers are affected by how JKidd’s able to get him the ball in scoring positions. Plus, he can’t post up like Melo does.
I think Melo will thrive both offensively and defensively in a good system. Him and JR Smith have so much talent but are easily distracted. If PJ or POP (or any tough minded coach) coached them, they’d be amazing players.
Melo and AI are not successful together because both can’t play effectively without having the ball. (as opposed to RIP, Redd, Odom, Jsmoove etc)
May 15th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
doc says:
Whoever trades Melo for these dudes is a asshole who should have his trading priveliges revoked asap.
May 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Yoooooooo says:
Maaaaaan if the Nets got Mel id buy season tickets! Melo & Camby??? And I might buy 2. If im the Nets Id love this deal. Your bound to get a solid player with your lottery pick this year, you have one of the better young pg’s in the league alongside THE PUREST scorer in the NBA. And with Camby & Sean Williams backing him Melos defensive laps wouldn’t be AS blatant. RJ has peaked. He’s not gonna get any better. Melo is a top 3 SF in the league and he’s only 23.
Only thing Id worry about is Melo getting killed tryna be cool with all the dudes from Newark. He’s known for bad decision making in his personal life, and Jersey niggas don’t play that.
May 15th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
GEE...mute says:
Melo wouldn’t make a difference in Jersey. Whoever they trade for won’t make a difference in Denver.
Waist of time type of deal.
May 15th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Celts Fan says:
The only way they should even consider this is if the Nets offered RJ, Devin Harris, AND Sean Williams with a #1 and the trade exception and/or force the Nets to take on one of their awful contracts.
That would leave Denver with:
Devin Harris
AI
RJ
your PF of choice (KMart, Nene, Najara, Sean Williams)
Camby
with JR Smith, 3 of the PFs above, Chucky Atkins, Linas Kleiza, and whoever they draft this year.
That’s not a bad lineup. Unfortunately, you don’t get the things off the court w/ them that you do with Melo (promotional wise, I’m not talking DUI’s here, I’m talking like jersey sales and recognition, etc.)
May 15th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
BobInBoulder says:
I hope the Nugs make this trade ONLY IF:
1. Jefferson is included.
2. The Nets get lucky in the lottery and one of the top 2 picks in this draft in included.
3. The Nets also throw in a first rounder next year.
Otherwise it really doesn’t make any sense for the Nugs. Melo is still very young and is a franchise type player. Sure, he needs to mature, but the Nugs would kick themselves silly if he matured somewhere else and they didn’t get any value in return for him.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
word says:
if bron is smart he ain’t going to go where Jay-Z is trying to pull his ass, stay in Cleveland be a legend there and work out his supporting cast. In Melo’s case I agree with Alex.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
daquest?on says:
wtf this trade is horrible for the nuggets
May 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
GEE...mute says:
Mind you a lot won’t matter as long as George Karl is Denver’s coach.
They need to see about trading his ***!
May 15th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Chuck...A source of knowldge for all says:
@PALakerFan
WTF, Jefferson just choked a dude in a club, are u serious? Not much trouble?
May 15th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
crc3423 says:
this is one of the first melo to somewhere rumors to start. denver and jersey should get another team involved that wants to get rid of a star that’s fucking up. but for these two teams, try: melo, nene, chucky atkins, a #1 in 2010 to jersey for a #1 in this year’s draft, rj,sean williams, marcus williams, and cash. denver’s going to get rid of more people, but melo may be the first - if iverson doesn’t opt out.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Chuck...A source of knowldge for all says:
@Gee and daquest?on
I gotta agree wit ya’ll on this one on both counts.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
PALakerFan says:
Chuck…LMAO!!! I saw that after I posted. Still though, haven’t heard much about it. Melo would’ve been 1st story on Sportscenter for the same thing.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
sans says:
Gee…I wish that the nuggets and Cavs could trade coaches. Cleveland needs to step it up offensively, and the Nuggets need a clue on D. Trading Karl for Mike Brown would be dope, but I don’t think we’ll ever see one of them situations.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
tealish says:
Laughable. Everyone talks about Melo’s post-game. When it really matters, he can’t create something in the post to save his life. Against the Lakers, everytime they go to him in the post needing a big basket, and he either gets blocked, commits a charge, or clanks a double-clutcher. What are you guys watching? When he dominates in the reg season on a mismatch?
If the Kings are dumb enough, trade Melo for Artest and Kevin Martin. (2 Kmarts might be confusing, but it’s worth it). Then pick up EB in free agency and you’ve got a true contender.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
tealish says:
Damn, just thought I’d mention how salivating it is to think: AI (26/7) and Kevin Martin (14/7)in the backcourt, Artest (16/8/4) and Brand (21/11) with defense and toughness, with Camby (10/12/3) getting his weakside blocks. Amazing team right there.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
daquest?on says:
@ tealish… that can never happen to the nuggets not even danny ainge could pull that off.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
daquest?on says:
but i wish that could happen though cuz the thuggets are my favorite team
May 16th, 2008 at 4:38 am
What is this!? says:
“Chuck…A source of knowldge” #4
Iverson is 32 years old and was the Nuggets best player this year. They guy still has about 4-5 good years left him..yes Carmelo has more time obviously because he’s younger, but thats about it. I’m tired of watching some of you people call those players “old” when they literraly are only in their early 30’s. KG, Ray Allen, Steve Nash. J-Kidd, Tim Duncan, Dirk N. and so many others are all around the same age if not older then Iverson…hell even Kobe is about to be 30 yrs old. Give it a rest.
Celts fan said:
“That’s not a bad lineup. Unfortunately, you don’t get the things off the court w/ them that you do with Melo (promotional wise, I’m not talking DUI’s here, I’m talking like jersey sales and recognition, etc.)”
Iverson sales the most jerseys for Denver (he’s #3 in jersy sales in the U.S and #2 in Europe…he even beats Yao Ming in China), and every since Iverson got there they sale out opposing teams arenas on the road. The Nuggets have’nt seen Box Office like Iverson appeal since he got there. Hopefully Iverson will leave and take all the extra attention he brought with him. Carmelo gets his promotions but he doesn’t sell merchandise and tickets like Iverson, Kobe, Lebron or even Garnett does. He’s not a box office type player like that. When Melo got to Denver people started paying a little more attention, but the Nuggets never got the attention they got before Iverson arrived. The reason why a lot of people I know even watch the Nuggets is because of Iverson being there.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:43 am
What is this!? says:
Bottom line, I think they should give Carmelo a few more years to develop before talking about trading him. To me Carmelo is a fraud. I don’t think he is a Superstar or real franchise player at this point, but the Nuggets can continue to hold on to false hope. If I was a team owner or GM, I wouldn’t want the guy, I just think he is lazy, a quiter and doesn’t have much heart. His basketball IQ is very questionable at this point as well. Unless he is scoring, he doesn’t seem to know what else to do or how to get involved and help his team when his shot isn’t falling. Its ridiculous. As a basketball fan all I hope is that Iverson goes to a team that is serious about contending at this point. Carmelo and George Karl can stay together and continue their 1 and done playoff apperences for years to come.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Dave says:
Well that move would completely destroy the Nuggets franchise and would be the single worst move they’ve made in their entire history.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
yallallreadyknow says:
carmerlo anthony is the most OVERrated player in the nba. he is an athletic version of the new glenn robinson.
denver aint gonna win shit with, so they might as wwell explore trade options. but with jersey?…i dunno about that one. nets squad is full of bums.
but…how about this trade scenario on draft night:
carmelo anthony, kenyon martin, anthony carter, jr smith
to new jersey for
devin harris, richard jefferson, stromile swift,
new look nuggs:
devin harris, allen iverson, richard jefferson, stromile swift, marcus camby
new look nets:
marcus williams, vince carter, carmelo anthony, kenyon martin, sean williams
any thought?….
May 16th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
do it! says:
FIRE GEORGE KARL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
daquest?on says:
i would never ever ever take stromile swift
May 19th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
t says:
Melo’s laziness and inability to pass the ball does not allow proper spacing on the floor. He does not pass out of the double team quickly enough or at all. Melo and AI are, unfortunately, not complimentary players. AI was the leader of the team all year. JR and LK are up-and-coming and talented. Camby also does not space floor because he can’t score. WE NEED a good scoring point that can also pass well…unselfish ball is good ball. If they throw in Devin Harris instead of williams could be good trade.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:38 am
DAVID STERN says:
only way u give up mello AND camby is if you get marcus williams, jefferson, sean williams, and a pick back, also van horn cantract
then ur line up will look like this:
pg - marcus williams, cucky atkins, tuaren green
sg - a.i, jr smith
sf - richard jefferson, diawara
pf - kenyon martin, klieza
c - nene, sean williams, hunter
with the draft pick you can possibly get a younger post prospect like love, jordan, or even slow ass hibbert, they all would make up for cambys absent in the future, or if u lucky you would get an eric gordon, oj mayo, or perhaps a jerad bayless to take over ai spot in 2 years
even with out the draft scenarios, ai has one year, that becomes jr’s spot after one more year of development, and you still have klieza who could be a very good 2nd option in the future
getting rid of camby makes nene ur down low threat who isnt terrible on d, with a sean williams, who is a young camby, develping behind him
denver might not have the success they had this season, if you wanna call it that, but future is bright and team still competes, and remember, ai, jefferson, and martin contracts will be up soon, so younger players then will fill the voids and thass what trades are relied on, potential pieces
but i think trading mello to dallas for j howard and kidd, then turnin around and trading ai, to someone like, maybe the magic for hedo and dooling with nelson going to dallas would be interesting too
den - kidd, smith, hedo, howard, nene
mavs - nelson, terry, mello, dirk, bass
orl - arroyo, iverson, lewis, battie, howard
lol that was just my fan gm mind goin right there, but not bad?
May 21st, 2008 at 12:09 am
JJ says:
Melo fucking SUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get rid of that bitch ass!!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:21 am
adamgolf nets fan says:
i like the deal, big VC fan, and the nets would have a big guy who can rebound and block some shots
nets lineup:
devin harris
vince carter
carmelo anthony
nenad kristick
marcus camby
role players:
sean williams
josh boone and sign some good free agents and you got a contender right away
the nuggets need to get rid of somebody and AI is more solid and competitive than anthony, only downside is his age, but get jefferson and williams and a draft pick and try to sign somebody too and u have a pretty good team
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:42 am
courtlegend says:
if i were a nets fan i would hang myself at the thought of a melo/vc tandem i had a lot of love for melo when he first came into the league but now hes just a waste of talent who will always put up numbers but never win…just like vince….i can only imagine the damage they could cause together….and wouldn’t that ruin all hopes of bringing in lebron to play for ownerr jay-z in the inagural season of the brooklyn nets? (don’t know if that’s even possible cuz i dont know when they are officially moving if at all)