The trade rumors surrounding Carmelo Anthony continue and this time, a familiar team steps up to the plate.
The Denver Nuggets avoided total implosion even when Carmelo Anthony made his trade demand public. They got a good haul for their superstar in no small part through the efforts of GM Masai Ujiri. He won an Executive of the Year award for that.
However, Ujiri left for the Toronto Raptors and the Nuggets have been in limbo since then. They had some front office turmoil and they also let go of coach George Karl. Now, the Nuggets seem undecided whether they are rebuilding or competing.
They missed the playoffs last season and did well in the draft by grabbing Emmanuel Mudiay, who was projected as high as third, with the seventh overall pick. He will replace Ty Lawson, who was traded to Houston for a protected 2016 first round pick.
Nuggets blog Nugg Love proposed a three way trade that included the Knicks and the Suns. This is how they want it to go down.
"The Denver Nuggets trade SF Danilo Gallinari to the Phoenix Suns and a 2016/2017 first-round draft pick (top-five protected) to the New York Knicks.
The Phoenix Suns trade SF/PF Markieff Morris and a 2016 second-round selection to the New York Knicks and a 2018/2019 first-round draft selection (lottery protected) to the Denver Nuggets.
The New York Knicks trade SF Carmelo Anthony to the Denver Nuggets."
At first glance, it seems like a very modest haul for a superstar like Anthony. The Knicks will only get a disgruntled forward, a protected first round pick and a second round pick. Still, they argue that it will help develop Kristaps Porzingis (as he'll get more touches) and the first rounder from the Nuggets will likely be in the lottery (even if they get Anthony).
For the Nuggets, they get the best player in the trade and they only lose Danilo Gallinari and a first rounder.
Nugg Love does point out that the Suns are the winner in their proposal.
"The Suns debatably get the best deal out of this trade. They remove a disgruntled Morris from their system and replace him with the much-needed shooter at the 3 slot. Gallinari will provide the shooting and complimentary offense to push a backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight to become better players."
It would be very difficult to sell this trade to Phil Jackson, unless Carmelo Anthony's actual trade value is a lot lower than we think it is. Also, will Melo waive his no-trade clause just to return to a team he forced a trade from?
This is, after all pure speculation but stranger trades have happened.