WOJ: Melo leaning towards leaving, Chicago and Houston clear frontrunners

[DStebb716]

@WojYahooNBA: Sources: As Carmelo Anthony leans toward leaving New York, Chicago and Houston emerge as free agency frontrunners. http://t.co/16harTcrBx

[Beastmode88]

Imagine a healthy drose, noah, melo and bran? :wtf:

[poido123]

I don't know about Melo.

Will give us some sorely needed offense, but will kill all ball movement.

Ball movement is essential to winning championships.

[Meticode]

If he wants the best chance to win it should be Chicago. The East is weak, Miami might actually collapse after this season. There's lots of uncertainty with Miami. The Pacers flunked this season.

The West is deep, going to Houston would be harder. Yes you have more star power there, but Harden doing a ball stoppage isn't going to get you wins deep in the playoffs.

Noah
Gibson
Melo
Butler
Rose

...also it's said that Chicago has taken interest in trying to acquire Kevin Love.

[Im Still Ballin]

Imagine a healthy drose, noah, melo and bran? :wtf:

[poido123]

If he wants the best chance to win it should be Chicago. The East is weak, Miami might actually collapse after this season. There's lots of uncertainty with Miami. The Pacers flunked this season.

The West is deep, going to Houston would be harder. Yes you have more star power there, but Harden doing a ball stoppage isn't going to get you wins deep in the playoffs.

Noah
Gibson
Melo
Butler
Rose

...also it's said that Chicago has taken interest in trying to acquire Kevin Love.


Decent free agents, but I wonder if these guys are winners...

Both are known for empty stats, but if all Melo has to do is score for chicago, that might be all that's needed to win..

[pegasus]

I don't know about Melo.

Will give us some sorely needed offense, but will kill all ball movement.

Ball movement is essential to winning championships.
The fact that he's just as good at catch and shoot as he is at creating his own shot gives me the confidence that he can be a part of a Spurs-like offensive system while still being the go-to guy when needed. And he's an underrated defender who can't be bullied by anyone in the post. I'd love him in Chicago with or without healthy Rose.

[DStebb716]

The question becomes what would the sign-and-trade look like for these teams.
My guesses:

Carmelo Anthony to Chicago for Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, pick 16 and 49.
Carmelo Anthony to Houston for Chandler Parsons (s&t), Jeremy Lin and pick 25.

[Meticode]

Decent free agents, but I wonder if these guys are winners...

Both are known for empty stats, but if all Melo has to do is score for chicago, that might be all that's needed to win..
I think they'd get deeper in the playoffs, maybe in the Finals depending on what happens with Miami. The West is just too stacked.

[poido123]

I think they'd get deeper in the playoffs, maybe in the Finals depending on what happens with Miami. The West is just too stacked.


I have no doubt they would make finals.

Miami is not the same, we will then have two huge scoring threats to worry about.

Defense has never been the problem, Thibs will always make a decent defensive team...

[brantonli]

The question becomes what would the sign-and-trade look like for these teams.
My guesses:

Carmelo Anthony to Chicago for Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, pick 16 and 49.
Carmelo Anthony to Houston for Chandler Parsons (s&t), Jeremy Lin and pick 25.

The 2nd one is probably what it will cost the Rockets, plus they'll need to trade Omer Asik away for nothing. Also, with all the salary cap decisions and deadlines, we may see a trade before July.

[Rocketswin2013]

The only way I'd like Melo coming here is if he agreed to become an off ball player . We don't have the coach to make him do that.....Stay the **** away Melo. Go to Chicago.

[inclinerator]

Imagine a healthy drose, noah, melo and bran? :wtf:
isnt that kind of a myth

[Jameerthefear]

Bev
Harden
Melo
Jones
Howard

Damn.

[poido123]

isnt that kind of a myth


I think Rose will be fine.

Original injury has had more rest and will be stronger for the new season. the new injury was minor and unrelated to the other injury.


Wouldn't be surprised if Rose comes back the 25 point 8 assist player he was before injury(Adjusted if Melo comes).

[DStebb716]

The smart move for the Knicks would be to try and convince the team they do a sign-and-trade with to take on Felton or JR Smith.

Something like:
Carmelo and Felton for Asik, Lin, Parsons and 25

[Beastmode88]

I think Rose will be fine.

Original injury has had more rest and will be stronger for the new season. the new injury was minor and unrelated to the other injury.


Wouldn't be surprised if Rose comes back the 25 point 8 assist player he was before injury(Adjusted if Melo comes).

Rose will never be back to where he was in 2011. His knees are done.

[VIntageNOvel]

after throwing all those money to harden and howard, not to mention asik and lin (isnt next year the 15 mills kicks in?), dont forget parson want to get paid too how the **** they can still sign melo ? :wtf:

[Rocketswin2013]

In trade talks, New York has told teams it doesn't want to take on contracts beyond the summer of 2015 although Asik, a center, could ultimately be a player the Knicks would want to sign long-term. There's a market for Asik to be traded into salary-cap space elsewhere for draft considerations, but Houston may have to package a draft pick to move Lin.

The Rockets have the flexibility to sell Anthony on a full-max contract in the range of $22 million-$23 million per year, or can offer him the chance to keep teammates like Chandler Parsons, Patrick Beverley and Terrence Jones on the roster by accepting less money on the deal. Nevertheless, most scenarios that would hold the Rockets nucleus together would still find Anthony with a starting annually salary in the range of $19 million, league sources said.

Makes me think he's going to Chicago.

[pastis]

Dirk Nowitzki:
[QUOTE]I

[Rekindled]

The 2nd one is probably what it will cost the Rockets, plus they'll need to trade Omer Asik away for nothing. Also, with all the salary cap decisions and deadlines, we may see a trade before July.

well the knicks will take asik off your hands too

[step_back]

Rose will never be back to where he was in 2011. His knees are done.

He's still a big point guard and he'll have a good amount of speed and athleticism left. He'll have to work on his game which I know he'll do. Rose is only 25 he's got plenty of time to still be a great player.

[Rose'sACL]

i hope he goes to the bulls and rose is at least 90% next season.that would be fun plus the city of Chicago desperately needs a ring in a relevant sport.it might stop the shootings for a few nights at least when the game is on.

[pastis]

i hope he goes to the bulls and rose is at least 90% next season.that would be fun plus the city of Chicago desperately needs a ring in a relevant sport.it might stop the shootings for a few nights at least when the game is on.

what is a relevant sport in the US?

NFL and NBA- OK!

who is watching out therein the US MLB or NHL? :biggums: :biggums: :biggums:

[Bano114]

The New York Knicks are honestly the biggest disgrace to this state, league and probably all of American sports.

How do trade all of your draft picks for a useless big man and sign a roster full of scrubs.

The sad thing is that statement can be interpreted for 2 different time periods in the last ten years.

We sold our future for Eddy Curry, and when that didn't work we used what little draft picks we had left to acquire a core of decently talented young players.

We trade quality players in Z-Bo and Jamal for cap space and don't get any of the top players in 2010 FA.

We sign an injury prone big man and he works will with our young talent.

We than package our draft picks and young talent for a Super Star and surround him with garbage. Instead of learning from our mistakes, we over pay another big man in Chandler and than trade 3 ****ing draft picks for one of the worst #1 Draft Picks ever, a big man who was about to be cut named Bargnani.

We will again be left with little young talent, no star player and no draft picks.

If I were the GM for the last 10 years, im confident I wouldn't have repeated the same stupid decisions. Its not the hard to not trade draft picks for Andrea Bargnani.

I don't know how we recover from this one. If Melo leaves, what star player would want to come to this shitty organization?

[pastis]

In trade talks, New York has told teams it doesn't want to take on contracts beyond the summer of 2015 although Asik, a center, could ultimately be a player the Knicks would want to sign long-term. There's a market for Asik to be traded into salary-cap space elsewhere for draft considerations, but Houston may have to package a draft pick to move Lin.

The Rockets have the flexibility to sell Anthony on a full-max contract in the range of $22 million-$23 million per year, or can offer him the chance to keep teammates like Chandler Parsons, Patrick Beverley and Terrence Jones on the roster by accepting less money on the deal. Nevertheless, most scenarios that would hold the Rockets nucleus together would still find Anthony with a starting annually salary in the range of $19 million, league sources said.


Makes me think he's going to Chicago.

damn, rockets fvcking stron. I mean 19 million a year plus having all these good role players and stars around you? hope he wont chose the rockets, cause then rockets will be nearly unstoppable.

[Kawhi Not?]

@WojYahooNBA: Sources: As Carmelo Anthony leans toward leaving New York, Chicago and Houston emerge as free agency frontrunners. http://t.co/16harTcrBx

He should go to Chicago. I think it would be perfect for him.

[97 bulls]

Bev
Harden
Melo
Jones
Howard

Damn.
But theres only one ball. Either Howard or Harden is gonna suffer if Melo goes there. And we saw how much Howard hated playing with one ball dominant player in L.A.

[pastis]

But theres only one ball. Either Howard or Harden is gonna suffer if Melo goes there. And we saw how much Howard hated playing with one ball dominant player in L.A.

i would say harden will suffer, cause melo and harden always wantin the ball...howard, maybe, will have to change is game and being only the off-rebounder if melo bricks a shot, so howard can get the reb and the easy layup.

[UK2K]

after throwing all those money to harden and howard, not to mention asik and lin (isnt next year the 15 mills kicks in?), dont forget parson want to get paid too how the **** they can still sign melo ? :wtf:
All that money?

Harden makes 13m, the 30th highest paid player in the league.

Lin and Asik (8m against the cap, 15m salary) will need to be traded. At least Asik will give nice ROI.

[annbafan]

Imagine a healthy drose, noah, melo and bran? :wtf:

nothing is impressive after James-Wade-Bosh

[atljonesbro]

Chicago will be no different than New York. I still fully believe Atlanta is his best fit

[DStebb716]

Chicago will be no different than New York. I still fully believe Atlanta is his best fit

That's laughable. Charlotte is a better fit than Atlanta.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Please go to Chicago.

[hawkfan]

The Hawks lost 14 out of 15 games, then lost another 6 in a row. Had Al Horford out for a large part of the season. And at one point, had all three centers out - Horford, Antic, Ayon.

The Knicks were healthy at the end of the season, and still couldn't get into the playoffs.

Melo needs serious work on other aspects of his game than just scoring.

[hawkfan]

Chicago will be no different than New York. I still fully believe Atlanta is his best fit

It is, if Melo is willing to stop being a ball stopper.

Luol Deng would be a nice pickup for the Hawks with our available cap space. Although I could see both Miami and San Antonio making a run at him.

But Charlotte has young assets to trade for him: Kidd-Gilchrist, Biyombo, Zeller, Henderson in some combination, plus 2 first round picks.

Charlotte could work out a sign and trade for him and New York could get some young pieces in return, plus still keep their cap space open for next year.

Anthony-Jefferson-Walker is not a bad trio.

[LoneyROY7]

The only way I'd like Melo coming here is if he agreed to become an off ball player . We don't have the coach to make him do that.....Stay the **** away Melo. Go to Chicago.

:roll:

Seeing as Melo is the superior player, it's obvious that it would be Harden who would have become an off-ball player.

[Inferno]

****er better not go to Houston. Makes the East even weaker...and that team can be pretty damn good...

[-Lebron23-]

He would be a great fit for Chicago in paper. Thiibs would love his rebounding and ability to catch-and-shoot and of course the Bulls' atrocious offense would improve tremendously but he'd still be taking a chance on Rose being able to stay healthy that I am not sure he's interested in.

It is not even about how Rose recovers. He seems to be a hard worker and I am sure he'll look good to start the season but can he stay healthy for the next 3 years? Nobody knows so nobody can assure Melo of that. Dude is 30 and is coming off a similar disappointing situation with Amar'e in NY, do you see him taking a chance like that?

[hawkfan]

He would be a great fit for Chicago in paper. Thiibs would love his rebounding and ability to catch-and-shoot and of course the Bulls' atrocious offense would improve tremendously but he'd still be taking a chance on Rose being able to stay healthy that I am not sure he's interested in.

It is not even about how Rose recovers. He seems to be a hard worker and I am sure he'll look good to start the season but can he stay healthy for the next 3 years? Nobody knows so nobody can assure Melo of that. Dude is 30 and is coming off a similar disappointing situation with Amar'e in NY, do you see him taking a chance like that?

Melo may be looking at the current Bulls team and thinking that alone is pretty good and he could add something. And if Rose comes back, then that would be a bonus.

If Melo stays in New York, then the Knicks could do this trade scenario with the Warriors:

Warriors get

Tyson Chandler (expirer)

Knicks get

Andre Iguodala

The Knicks get a wing who can help out on offense and defense, something they are really lacking badly. Stoudemire and Bargnani share the center position.

The Warriors get a defensive big which they are badly lacking, especially when Bogut gets hurt. No team is serious about contending for a championship having to resort to Jermaine O'Neal at this point in his career to man the middle. Barnes and Green take over Iggy's minutes.

[-Lebron23-]

Melo may be looking at the current Bulls team and thinking that alone is pretty good and he could add something. And if Rose comes back, then that would be a bonus.

If Melo stays in New York, then the Knicks could do this trade scenario with the Warriors:

Warriors get

Tyson Chandler (expirer)

Knicks get

Andre Iguodala

The Knicks get a wing who can help out on offense and defense, something they are really lacking badly. Stoudemire and Bargnani share the center position.

The Warriors get a defensive big which they are badly lacking, especially when Bogut gets hurt. No team is serious about contending for a championship having to resort to Jermaine O'Neal at this point in his career to man the middle. Barnes and Green take over Iggy's minutes.
That's an awful trade for GS, man.

[hawkfan]

That's an awful trade for GS, man.

The Warriors could sign Granger to take some of Iggy's minutes.

[-Lebron23-]

The Warriors could sign Granger to take some of Iggy's minutes.
Granger adds nothing to that team. They need athleticism, defense and ball movement. All of those are Granger's weaknesses at this point.

[NumberSix]

Melo to Chicago? I can't see that.

[-Lebron23-]

Melo to Chicago? I can't see that.
Course you can't. The Florida Association of Fata$$es is already lobbyng for Melo to join the Heat through their spokesmen DJ Khaled and Rick Ross.

It's gonna be BIG.

[Rameek]

Most teams cant afford to sign him so I wouldnt get those hopes up. Unless they gut their roster.

[Beastmode88]

The New York Knicks are honestly the biggest disgrace to this state, league and probably all of American sports.

How do trade all of your draft picks for a useless big man and sign a roster full of scrubs.

The sad thing is that statement can be interpreted for 2 different time periods in the last ten years.

We sold our future for Eddy Curry, and when that didn't work we used what little draft picks we had left to acquire a core of decently talented young players.

We trade quality players in Z-Bo and Jamal for cap space and don't get any of the top players in 2010 FA.

We sign an injury prone big man and he works will with our young talent.

We than package our draft picks and young talent for a Super Star and surround him with garbage. Instead of learning from our mistakes, we over pay another big man in Chandler and than trade 3 ****ing draft picks for one of the worst #1 Draft Picks ever, a big man who was about to be cut named Bargnani.

We will again be left with little young talent, no star player and no draft picks.

If I were the GM for the last 10 years, im confident I wouldn't have repeated the same stupid decisions. Its not the hard to not trade draft picks for Andrea Bargnani.

I don't know how we recover from this one. If Melo leaves, what star player would want to come to this shitty organization?

Dolan. :facepalm

[bdreason]

If Melo was really smart, he'd be trying to figure out how he can sign with the Spurs.


Parker / Mills
Bellinelli / Manu
Leonard / Green
Melo / Diaw
Duncan / Splitter


:bowdown:

[Akrazotile]

The smart move for the Knicks would be to try and convince the team they do a sign-and-trade with to take on Felton or JR Smith.

Something like:
Carmelo and Felton for Asik, Lin, Parsons and 25


No way Houston does that.

Houston should trade Harden for Melo straight up doe.

[NumberSix]

Course you can't. The Florida Association of Fata$$es is already lobbyng for Melo to join the Heat through their spokesmen DJ Khaled and Rick Ross.

It's gonna be BIG.
I just don't even see why Chicago would be a remotely desirable team to go to. They have a max contract tied up on a guy who doesn't play and is a giant question mark at best. The team is cheap and won't pay what it takes to compete. It's signature play style is not exactly Melos cup of tea. Terrible weather city during the season.

I just don't see why he would leave New York for Chicago, let alone the other options he has like LA, Miami, Houston.

[miles berg]

Why don't people want to play in Dallas? I just don't understand. Great owner, great arena, rabid fanbase (longest sellout streak in NBA history), built in 2nd and 3rd options (Dirk/Ellis), tons of depth, & and a tradition of winning.

DFW is the 4th biggest market in the US and people flock to play for the Cowboys. Why not he Mavs? Great place to play.

[CHi1PriDe]

I just don't even see why Chicago would be a remotely desirable team to go to. They have a max contract tied up on a guy who doesn't play and is a giant question mark at best. The team is cheap and won't pay what it takes to compete. It's signature play style is not exactly Melos cup of tea. Terrible weather city during the season.

I just don't see why he would leave New York for Chicago, let alone the other options he has like LA, Miami, Houston.

New York and Chicago share similar weather, idiot. While rose is a big question mark, melo on the bulls would make them an instant contender. Playing with the DPOY, a defensive guru coach and 2 first mid round draft picks in a loaded draft isn't such a bad destination spot. And cmon, the gap from thibs potato head is huge :cheers:

[DStebb716]

New York and Chicago share similar weather, idiot. While rose is a big question mark, melo on the bulls would make them an instant contender. Playing with the DPOY, a defensive guru coach and 2 first mid round draft picks in a loaded draft isn't such a bad destination spot. And cmon, the gap from thibs potato head is huge :cheers:

The Bulls won't be making those selections if they get Melo. It's already been reported that they don't want to take on two guaranteed rookie salaries. They could end up turning the two picks into one or using them to acquire Melo which will probably have to happen.

[SamuraiSWISH]

I don't know about Melo.
Um, what? Do you watch our boys out there in Australia? All we need is an elite caliber scorer. Defense wins championships. But you need someone who can bail you out when the game gets rough. Look how far we went with D. Rose carrying our offense alone.


Ball movement is essential to winning championships.
Not entirely true. Parker / Ginobili / Duncan even though advanced in age are clearly still star caliber talents who are skilled, crafty enough with loads of experience to get buckets when needed.

People acting like it's a bunch of average individual players just winning on ball movement alone are misguided in order to fit the Spurs into a pretty little underdog narrative. They have a lot of talent on that team.

[NumberSix]

New York and Chicago share similar weather, idiot. While rose is a big question mark, melo on the bulls would make them an instant contender. Playing with the DPOY, a defensive guru coach and 2 first mid round draft picks in a loaded draft isn't such a bad destination spot. And cmon, the gap from thibs potato head is huge :cheers:
You're blinded by your fandom. Melo going to the Wizards would be more of a contender than Melo going to the bulls.

[Akrazotile]

Why don't people want to play in Dallas? I just don't understand. Great owner, great arena, rabid fanbase (longest sellout streak in NBA history), built in 2nd and 3rd options (Dirk/Ellis), tons of depth, & and a tradition of winning.

DFW is the 4th biggest market in the US and people flock to play for the Cowboys. Why not he Mavs? Great place to play.


Which players have said they dont 'want' to play in Dallas?

CP3 and Deron stayed on their teams to take the extra-year max. Bran, Wade, and Bosh went to the only team that could afford all three of them. The only guy who chose a different team under normal circumstances was Howard, and obviously he had his own reasons but that doesnt mean nobody wants to play there. The circumstances for previous free agents just havent been ideal. I dont know that dallas even wants Melo. Hes not an ideal fit with Ellis and Dirk. Even when Dirk is gone hes not an ideal fit with Ellis.


I think plenty of guys would be fine with playing in Dallas. But its not like there have been that many top players whove changed teams in free agency. People act like the Mavs keep getting spurned, but thats not really the case.


I'll tell ya, I'd love to see Gasol playin for this current Mavs team for a couple years before the band breaks up. Ellis, Dirk, Calderon, Pau, Vince, playing under Carlisle? That team could do what the Spurs are doin right now. Thatd be sweet.

[CHi1PriDe]

Thought it was just amnesty boozer and get rid of MDJ/Kirk and maybe one of the first. Haven't really been keeping up tbh

[Dagouch]

Thought it was just amnesty boozer and get rid of MDJ/Kirk and maybe one of the first. Haven't really been keeping up tbh

Not sure tho. I don't see Chicago able to sign him outright. I think Boozer would be used as a sign and trade with Us I think. Does his contact expire next season?

[niko]

A realistic signing with either team requires them to shed salary. Houston would be Asik, Lin (that's funny ) and a pick probably. Chicago id take boozer if in last year, if not just Gibson , the picks or Mirotic and pick. Something....

Otherwise those teams will need to pay other teams to take their assets for cap space anyway.

Id rather a Melo stay but I can easily see him hurt and that deal go to shit anyway so s and t is ok for me.

[Jameerthefear]

is melo a RFA?

[Jameerthefear]

hi niko

[Dagouch]

You think he's gone too Niko? I was somewhat sure he was staying but who knows now.

Is it better to literally let him walk and no sign trade and just tank next year get a good draft pick and and have over 40 mil I think in cap room?

[DStebb716]

is melo a RFA?

No...

[Dagouch]

is melo a RFA?

He has an ETO now.

[Eric Cartman]

is melo a RFA?

:biggums:

[Milbuck]

He needs to go to Chicago.

They're also working on a Love deal around draft time. Love has already expressed interest in Chicago...and without considering Melo. If they get Melo, that would increase their chances substantially at also getting Love. It might gut their depth, but they'd have a core of Rose-Melo-Love-Noah. This league has proven that unless you're the Spurs, you NEED talent to win, and that Chicago team would have as much as anyone else. No matter what you sign around them, that team is contending with Thibs as coach. Fill the team with vet mins and whatever else, that team is top tier.

Another thing...very close friend of Rose's brother tweeted this recently.


David Kaplan ‏@thekapman 29m

I just ran into Reggie Rose at breakfast. I've know him since he was a HS player. Relax Bulls fans. D-Rose is playing 5 on 5 + is 100%.

Seriously, if Melo wants to win, he has to go to Chicago. Houston is a bad fit for him in an extremely tough conference. Chicago is the perfect fit in a historically weak conference. Fail coach vs a top 3 coach. Hard-working, passionate supporting cast vs a bunch of egomaniacs.

[ReturnofJPR]

I don't know about Melo.

Will give us some sorely needed offense, but will kill all ball movement.

Ball movement is essential to winning championships.

Only if you're the 2014 San Antonio Spurs with 3 elderly players and a gang of young guns.

You can win a Champ with multiple strategies. Look at Ben Wallace's pistons. Kobe and MJ have that Kill Em attitude while LeBum is as soft as Red from Friday.

Personally, I hope Chicago stays away from both Melo (IQ of a 4 year old without 1 ounce of respect) and Kevin Love (stat padder). Both players are one dimensional ball hogs.

Chicago will be better served bringing over the youngest Euro MVP in History, in Nikola Mirtotic, who is a PF who happens to be the next Dirk, signing Gordon Hayward, and re-signing Jimmy Buckets Butler.

Stay away from the hype, Melo and Love are fugazy. Just like Kyrie getting a MAX contract...:roll:


PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Taj Gibson
C: Joakim Noah

Key Bench Players:

PF: Nikola Mirotic (Europe's best player)
PG: Kirk Hinrich
SF: Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Also, 2 first round draft picks on that bench

[ballup]

Melo to Bulls seems obvious, but will Thibs let Melo be Melo? Will Melo buy into the Bull's system? Will there be a power issue between him and Rose?

[noob cake]

Beverly
Harden
Parsons
Melo
Dwight

Make it happen Morey :bowdown:

[Adam2k9]

As a chicago fan I would rather have Love than Melo due to the fact melo is 30 and pretty much out of his primein comparison to Love who is 25 and about to enter his prime.

[DMAVS41]

Why would a free agent (a big one like melo) go to the West?

Just stay in the East where you have only 1 other real team...and even then, not sure how good Miami will be next year.

[niko]

You think he's gone too Niko? I was somewhat sure he was staying but who knows now.

Is it better to literally let him walk and no sign trade and just tank next year get a good draft pick and and have over 40 mil I think in cap room?
I think it's possible. I also think it's possible phil doesn't think Melo either wants to resign or thinks he's not the person to build around.

If sign and trade. You get assets and cap space. I take that route. You can spin off players later too.

It's a bad look for nets 2016 rebuild if knicks rebuild too. We will have same cap space as nets, plus assets plus ( id assume) a few young pieces. Nets will have same market, cap space , very little in terms of assets

[ReturnofJPR]

Why would a free agent (a big one like melo) go to the West?

Just stay in the East where you have only 1 other real team...and even then, not sure how good Miami will be next year.

You better bite your tongue, before KD only Rose won the MVP besides Bron in the past 5 years. Rose with Noah is off the chain my hood ni99a. Miami won't stand a chance next year against Chitown. They're too old and worn out to do anything. And the Pacers are messed up ever since Paul George and Roy Hibbert were spending quality time with a groupie and their swords hit each other. The Indiana Pacers are through. They have lots of miles too.

[DMAVS41]

You better bite your tongue, before KD only Rose won the MVP besides Bron in the past 5 years. Rose with Noah is off the chain my hood ni99a. Miami won't stand a chance next year against Chitown. They're too old and worn out to do anything. And the Pacers are messed up ever since Paul George and Roy Hibbert were spending quality time with a groupie and their swords hit each other. The Indiana Pacers are through. They have lots of miles too.

Well, wouldn't Melo go to the Bulls? Isn't that what the WOJ stated???

But, regardless, the Bulls aren't real until Rose comes back...and I'm not holding my breath for that one.

[Real14]

MELO IZ STAYING GET OVER IT!:no:

[ReturnofJPR]

MELO IZ STAYING GET OVER IT!:no:

Remember that Allan Houston contract?

:lol

[NumberSix]

He needs to go to Chicago.

They're also working on a Love deal around draft time. Love has already expressed interest in Chicago...and without considering Melo. If they get Melo, that would increase their chances substantially at also getting Love. It might gut their depth, but they'd have a core of Rose-Melo-Love-Noah. This league has proven that unless you're the Spurs, you NEED talent to win, and that Chicago team would have as much as anyone else. No matter what you sign around them, that team is contending with Thibs as coach. Fill the team with vet mins and whatever else, that team is top tier.

Another thing...very close friend of Rose's brother tweeted this recently.



Seriously, if Melo wants to win, he has to go to Chicago. Houston is a bad fit for him in an extremely tough conference. Chicago is the perfect fit in a historically weak conference. Fail coach vs a top 3 coach. Hard-working, passionate supporting cast vs a bunch of egomaniacs.
When are people going to finally realize that Chicago is the team that free agents only PRETEND to be interested in?

[Upgrayedd]

The question becomes what would the sign-and-trade look like for these teams.
My guesses:

Carmelo Anthony to Chicago for Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, pick 16 and 49.
Carmelo Anthony to Houston for Chandler Parsons (s&t), Jeremy Lin and pick 25.

If the Bulls do a sign and trade for 'Melo, they're not giving up Taj Gibson.

The Bulls starting lineup would be:

C: Noah
PF: Taj
SF: 'Melo
SG: Butler
PG: Rose

I'd be fine with either 'Melo or Love. To everyone saying 'Melo would be a bad fit. How?? He's exactly what the Bulls need. Someone to take over games on offense.

[DStebb716]

If the Bulls do a sign and trade for 'Melo, they're not giving up Taj Gibson.

The Bulls starting lineup would be:

C: Noah
PF: Taj
SF: 'Melo
SG: Butler
PG: Rose

I'd be fine with either 'Melo or Love. To everyone saying 'Melo would be a bad fit. How?? He's exactly what the Bulls need. Someone to take over games on offense.

They may have no choice. They'd rather give Gibson (who has peaked and is already 29) than Butler.

[beastee]

Melo is either staying in NY for the big money or going to Chicago. Lala would probably consider LA or Miami as well...but that is it. His wife holds alot of the cards on this one. Must be a major market...or Miami. So sorry Texas, your state has nothing to offer a primadonna wife.

[-Lebron23-]

I just don't even see why Chicago would be a remotely desirable team to go to. They have a max contract tied up on a guy who doesn't play and is a giant question mark at best. The team is cheap and won't pay what it takes to compete. It's signature play style is not exactly Melos cup of tea. Terrible weather city during the season.

I just don't see why he would leave New York for Chicago, let alone the other options he has like LA, Miami, Houston.
Yeah, jokes aside, Chicago would be perfect for him IF everything works out well: they have a great system, a relatively successful core of players in their prime that seem to get along quite well and solid peadership. However, that Rose situation changes everything. He is too much of a risk IMO.

I disagree on their style, I think it's perfect for him, it's just Rose's situation what makes them a questionable destination.

[ProfessorMurder]

Remember that Allan Houston contract?

:lol

He's a dumb 12 year old, so I doubt it.

[cltcfn2924]

I just don't even see why Chicago would be a remotely desirable team to go to. They have a max contract tied up on a guy who doesn't play and is a giant question mark at best. The team is cheap and won't pay what it takes to compete. It's signature play style is not exactly Melos cup of tea. Terrible weather city during the season.

I just don't see why he would leave New York for Chicago, let alone the other options he has like LA, Miami, Houston.


Please stop with the Miami stuff. You think Melo is going to play for a discount to support Lebrons' legacy? Makes zero sense to me.

[cltcfn2924]

Melo is either staying in NY for the big money or going to Chicago. Lala would probably consider LA or Miami as well...but that is it. His wife holds alot of the cards on this one. Must be a major market...or Miami. So sorry Texas, your state has nothing to offer a primadonna wife.


Texas has no income tax.

[r0drig0lac]

Please stop with the Miami stuff. You think Melo is going to play for a discount to support Lebrons' legacy? Makes zero sense to me.
bingo

[Derka]

Chicago makes a ton of sense. There's other guys to handle the defense stuff.

[NumberSix]

Please stop with the Miami stuff. You think Melo is going to play for a discount to support Lebrons' legacy? Makes zero sense to me.
I bet Drexler is much happier with a sidekick ring than he would be with 0 rings.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Chicago is the vastly superior choice (much more playoff success awaits him in a shitty conference) but since this is dumbfck Melo with his stupid wife theyre prolly gonna choose Houston

[UK2K]

Texas has no income tax.
Not to mention Houston's wide variety of strip clubs.

[NumberSix]

Not to mention Houston's wide variety of strip clubs.
If you're into chunky hair-hat tatted up broads.

[To4]

Stupid Melo.. Go to the bulls!

[NumberSix]

Stupid Melo.. Go to the bulls!
Leave a crap team to take less money on another crap team? What is wrong with you people that this makes sense to you?

[Milbuck]

Leave a crap team to take less money on another crap team? What is wrong with you people that this makes sense to you?
The Bulls are a crap team now?

[Kawhi Not?]

Melo should just go to Chicago. He should see that is his best chance of making it to the finals. He always battles Lebron pretty well but now he'll have a good defensive team to go with his offense.

Makes the most sense to me

[Meticode]

I bet Drexler is much happier with a sidekick ring than he would be with 0 rings.
Carmelo Anthony isn't Drexler.

[Meticode]

Leave a crap team to take less money on another crap team? What is wrong with you people that this makes sense to you?
Yes, because a team that loses its best player for the season, then arguably its second or third best player after being there for 10 years (Deng) and still winning 50 games is a crap team.

[Rocketswin2013]

:roll:

Seeing as Melo is the superior player, it's obvious that it would be Harden who would have become an off-ball player.
:facepalm ISH....It's not even about who's better. Harden needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Melo does not. Plus melo with the ball in his hands is just not good offense if it's not in the post more often than not. He holds it for long stretches. And he's not good enough at playmaking. He's a deadly catch and shoot player though. Just devasting. Especially as a PF. Did you see what he did in the Olympics with some great teammates catching and shooting?

He'll probably go to Chicago though. It's just easier for them to get him. Amnesty Boozer and it's a cakewalk.

[Roundball_Rock]

Chicago is the best choice for him, for several reasons. They already are a top 4 team in the East without him and without Rose. With them the Bulls equal or even surpass Miami. The Bulls' defensive prowess will mitigate Carmelo's weakness in that area while Carmelo, a top 3 scorer, would remedy the Bulls perennial difficulty consistently scoring points. Carmelo, Rose, Noah would form a competitive nucleus for at least 3-4 years, depending on how Carmelo ages. Chicago provides him with an elite coach and elite players at PG and C. Make it happen!

Houston is intriguing but the West is much tougher and in Houston he would at best be the #2 player behind Howard. In Chicago he be the best player, or at least be in a 1a/1b situation.

[The_Pharcyde]

Yes, because a team that loses its best player for the season, then arguably its second or third best player after being there for 10 years (Deng) and still winning 50 games is a crap team.

Don't mind him, he is stupid

[SwishSquared]

Melo going to Chicago would present the path of least resistance to a deep playoff run (barring superteam in South Beach). Houston would be stacked offensively on talent alone (I read a few weeks ago the way they are handling this situation is to make room to sign Melo outright and re-sign Parsons), but the competition in the Western Conference is likely too much to contend with at this point.

If New York wants no deals beyond 2015, could they not do:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ktoxh8g
in a S&T plus a first round pick (say a 2015 first rounder b/c deal happens after the draft). Could also throw in the pick from the Deng deal to make it sweeter. If it takes sending 2014 #19, then do it. I don't think Knicks will find a scenario where they can save money, gain a pick(s), rid themselves of Felton, and not hurt their salary cap sheet for 2015 and beyond. I thought Knicks actually have their first rounder next season, so it could help them tank. I honestly don't think Chicago needs to give up some combo of Taj, both first rounders this year (or future picks), or Mirotic to acquire Melo.

I'm semi-rooting for Melo to Bulls because it would make for a more interesting & competitive ECF, if Miami stays together. I honestly don't want to see Heat vs. this Pacers core once more.

[Patrick Chewing]

I still think Melo to the Lakers makes the most sense for both teams.


Melo to Lakers for the 7th pick and fillers

[longtime lurker]

Melo on Houston could be something special, but I'd hate to see him waste his talents with mentally weak players like James Harden and Dwight Howard. The Bulls seem to make the most sense and they also have a desirable package to send to NY in a trade

[All Net]

You knowing Cleveland are hoping Melo to Houston happens as that means Parsons is likely theirs.

[GimmeThat]

Decent free agents, but I wonder if these guys are winners...

Both are known for empty stats, but if all Melo has to do is score for chicago, that might be all that's needed to win..


If DRose is healthy, you know you don't want Melo.

If DRose isn't returning, you are screwed if you don't get Melo.


The probable way for it to work, is probably DRose being 1a, Melo/Noah being both 2nd options. I actually think Noah would have an even higher offensive ceiling than Chandler if you put Melo next to him. This involves the assumption that Melo isn't the main play maker.

Billups made it work with the Nuggets, so I don't see how Melo can't do it if he choose to stop his iso play. Rose's playing style probably open Melo up to cutting to the basket even more if anything.

[GimmeThat]

Melo on Houston could be something special, but I'd hate to see him waste his talents with mentally weak players like James Harden and Dwight Howard. The Bulls seem to make the most sense and they also have a desirable package to send to NY in a trade

well, would people think more of Chris Paul if the Clippers beats a Houston team WITH Anthony/Harden/Howard

[COnDEMnED]

Leave a crap team to take less money on another crap team? What is wrong with you people that this makes sense to you?
If the bulls are crap then so is Houston.