The Nuggets and Nene have reached agreement on a five-year contract that will pay him up to $67 million.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: In the end, it was about the money.
Free agent post Nene won’t join a capped-out contender and will instead earn nearly $70 million over the next five years to stay with the Denver Nuggets.
On the one hand, this makes sense. This was Nene’s moment, his one opportunity to capitalize on a weak free agent market and get max-like money even if the league was coming off a lockout.
Only Denver and the New Jersey Nets were willing to meet his demands. And the Nets are in flux because Deron Williams still hasn’t inked an extension.
So Nene, who loves Denver, decided to spend his prime with the Nuggets.
On the other hand, this is surprising. The 30-year old decided against giving the Miami Heat and other elite squads a discount for the chance at a championship.
Of course, it’s hard to say just how much of a South Beach sale the Heat were asking for. And Nene could sign a short-term deal with a contender once this deal expires in June of 2016.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Denver, what are you doing? Why is he still on the team? Trade him already. He’s still there? Look. I understand that people are trying to team up with others to win. That is fine. Whatever. The people of Denver should not have to put up with a whiny person putting bounties on porn stars via Twitter on someone like Kat Stacks. That is not a class act. Then he goes around and says that his Twitter was hacked. Come on, man! Stop playing!
Even after watching him scrape defenders off the sole of his sneakers numerous times in his career, I'm still occasionally taken aback by some of the things J.R. Smith is capable of doing in the air. About ten minutes ago he added yet another extraordinary play to his already prolific highlight reel with an absolutely filthy dunk against the Spurs. Taking off some eleven feet from the bucket, "Swish" threw home an emphatic two-hander all over a hapless Gary Neal, who seemed as surprised as the rest of us that Smith had even attempted - let alone completed - a dunk from that distance.
Nene, 29, has long coveted Miami and Dallas as landing spots, but would have to force his way to one of those teams via a sign-and-trade since both are well over the cap. And whereas LeBron James was able to get a max deal through a sign-and-trade when he went from Cleveland to Miami, Nene would have to settle for a four-year deal with 4.5 percent raises under the new system in such an arrangement.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will he take a reduced salary to compete for a championship?
Today, the world wide web is filled with articles on the Miami Heat somehow adding Nene, the top free agent of 2011, to a roster already loaded with big-tickets.
Reports suggest that Pat Riley, the oil-slick GM, will offer Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller to the Denver Nuggets in a sign-and-trade for the Brazilian post.
Keep in mind the Heat and Nene would already have agreed on a multi-year extension as part of the deal.
In theory, this sounds good. In reality, it’s a long-shot because Nene seems determined to hit a homerun on the open market and won’t give ‘Riles’ a South Beach discount.
Unless we’ve got it wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time) and winning is his priority. Then Nene will take less for a chance at hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
In Out of Bounds IV, Marija translates Big Ben Roethlisberger's apology statement, tells Brad Miller he's not wanted in NY and lets you know what you can do to keep Jeff Van Gundy the hell away from the Bulls.
HoopsVibe is proud to welcome Marija Kero, better known to many of you as The Knicks Chick, to the team. Marija will be checking in with videoblogs covering everything from her beloved Knicks to Ron Artest's latest hair-related mishap. In her first piece, Marija shares her thoughts on Boston's bad temper, the surging Mavs and the ghosts of NYK past appearing in the postseason.
Through the Melo Rule, the owners want to limit how much control a player has on where he plays. Players, meanwhile, want the freedom to go where they please. And the player who inspired the rule found it amusing that it could become a part of his legacy. ``I’m just glad I can be part of something,” Anthony said last month. “When I’m dead and gone, the Melo Rule will still be here. I’m just excited that they named a rule after me.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s reaction reveals much about modern stars.
Instead of wanting to create a legacy on-court through winning, many want to create a legacy off-court through business.
This is sad.
For instance, the Denver Nuggets gave Anthony everything. They rolled out the red carpet, supported him during his off-court indiscretions, and paid him like a tier-one superstar.
The returns were mixed. At times, Anthony, was out of shape, feuded with Coach George Karl, and was consumed with scoring.
Bottom line: the Nuggets weren’t a contender until they brought in Chauncey Billups, who provided the leadership that was expected from Anthony.
Then came last year. Perhaps inspired by LeBron James’ Decision, Anthony held the Nuggets hostage for months by refusing to sign an extension and flirting with teams in the New York area.
The rumours were too much. It was 24-7. And a major distraction for the Nuggets, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.
After several near-deals, Anthony got his wish and was finally traded to the Knicks. The process was ugly and again showed the polarization between have and have-not markets.
It also showed that high profile players can and will hold several teams hostage for months in an effort to get their way.
Rather than calling the process an unfortunate but necessary part of business, Anthony is proud. He doesn’t realize that his actions have created a sticking point in negotiations between players and owners, which, in turn, has delayed the 2012 season.
Compare Anthony to another ‘Legend’. Larry Bird, the Hall of Fame forward, was never proud of the ‘Larry Bird Rule’ in the old Collective Bargaining Agreements. He was too busy winning.
Perhaps Anthony should learn something from Bird. Perhaps he should focus on what matters -winning.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Miami Herald reported Sunday that they expect one of the first calls the Heat make to be to free agent PF/C Nene.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’ll call. They’ll talk. That’s as far it will go, though.
Despite having little cap space, the Miami Heat reportedly have interest in signing Denver Nuggets post and soon-to-be-free agent Nene.
Having interest is fine. Getting a sought after center to take a huge pay cut is unrealistic.
The Brazilian opted-out of the last year of his contract with Denver, leaving close to $11 million on the table. Whenever the lockout is settled, he’ll ask for, and likely get, term and money as a free agent.
The Heat are in no position to offer either. With $65 million in committed salary for 2012, they`ll have little-to-no flexibility when the owners get their new financial system.
So the Heat will call Nene. He may listen and consider taking less money to play with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Then he’ll remember what he gave up ($11 million) and will sign a big ticket pact with another team.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News with the comment box below.
And the next Nuggets longtimer who could hit the road? Kenyon Martin, whose excellent Greenwood Village estate is under contract. Check out photos and a video below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It could be a real estate transaction. Or it could be a sign Kenyon Martin is leaving the Denver Nuggets.
Reports indicate Martin has put his palatial Denver estate up for sale, as the power forward and former first overall pick plans to head elsewhere as a free agent when the lockout ends.
Change is surely coming. While a solid performer, Martin struggled with injury and never met the expectations that came with signing a max contract so many years ago.
The Nuggets are also in transition after the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster. Whatever cap space the new system provides will be used to re-sign Nene and, perhaps, negotiate long-term extensions for Wilson Chandler and/or Danilo Gallinari.
If Martin figured into the Nuggets' long-term plans they'd have tendered some type of offer before the lockout began on July 1st.
So Martin’s selling his house. And he’ll be selling his rebounding, defense, and energy when a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed.
Chances are, it won’t be in Denver with the Nuggets.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Dwight Howard sweepstakes have begun. Golden State offered Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh. Unlikely that'll get it done.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
The Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic can deny rumors they’re considering swapping Monta Ellis for Dwight Howard. The evidence suggests otherwise, though.
New Warriors owner Joe Lacob, when he bought the club, didn’t give Ellis a ringing endorsement. While GM Larry Riley would only admit the team isn’t shopping their combo guard.
Lacob and rookie coach Mark Jackson want to change the losing culture surrounding the club. Right or wrong, fair or not, they may trade Ellis to achieve this.
Meanwhile, Howard has refused to sign an extension with the Magic. He wants to exercise a player’s option next July and become a free agent.
Howard knows Magic GM Otis Smith can’t let this occur. Not for a second. Smith, contrary to what he publicly claims, can’t risk his franchise face walking and getting nothing back.
So the clock is ticking. Like the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz with Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams, Smith has to cut a deal.
It’s no shock the Warriors and Magic have talked trade. Here’s the real question: what happens next?
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith said there's a "strong possibility" he won't sign with the Nuggets this summer as a free agent, expressing frustration Thursday after the Nuggets went down 0-2 against Oklahoma City in the playoffs. "There's a strong possibility as of right now," Smith said. "It's not going the way I planned it to go. It's a tough situation. I want to be here, I love the fans and everything about the city. It's just maybe not my fit."
It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the New York Knicks make a play for Dwight Howard next season, perhaps offering either Amare Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony at trade deadline.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Did you enjoy Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire battling Dwight Howard last night?
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the main characters in yesterday’s epic battle between the Knicks and Magic could switch places. Reports indicate the Magic would consider sending Howard to the Knicks for Anthony or Stoudemire.
A few thoughts:
1) The Howard rumors will continue to fly because he can opt-out of his contract at the end of 2012 and become an unrestricted free agent.
No matter how much Howard tries to defuse rumors, the feeling is he wants to bolt Orlando for a larger market. Like Los Angeles. Or New York.
The Magic have a dilemma. They could try re-signing Howard and risk having their top player as an unrestricted free agent without compensation.
(This would decimate the franchise. See the Cleveland Cavaliers. See the Toronto Raptors.)
Or the Magic could concede that re-signing Howard would be tough in today’s era of super-teams and move him. Cutting their losses would bring back some assets.
(See the Denver Nuggets. See the Utah Jazz.)
2) Anthony and Stoudemire are an awkward pairing. Their partnership doesn’t seem natural. Given time, things will improve. The supporting cast will be upgraded; a training camp together will make a difference.
Here’s the question for Knick fans: would Howard with Anthony or Stoudemire be superior to Anthony and Stoudemire?
3) The new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be negotiated between players and owners this summer could sideswipe all plans.
Small market owners may try to eliminate the super-team trend that’s permeating the NBA. They could gain the ability to keep star players by using an NFL-style franchise tag.
So the Magic could hang onto Howard –whether he likes it or not- by slapping him with the franchise player tag.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
For LeBron James, the signs are all familiar. The initial discomfort in a new system. The frustrating losses. The growing pains. The private bickering, questioning and second-guessing. The attitude issues. Even the turbulence during particularly heated timeouts. James knows that script all too well. He's lived it during the honeymoon period with the Miami Heat, the one that sent the team into a brief stretch of disarray following a difficult 9-8 start.
"I know exactly what he's going through right now," James said of his friend Carmelo Anthony's more-difficult-than-expected indoctrination with the Knicks. "And it's going to take time. Everybody knows we were 9-8. We had to figure things out. And we're still figuring things out.
"We all know Melo is a great player, but I don't think one player has ever won a championship in this league," Kenyon Martin told HOOPSWORLD. "He's a great player, but it's all about us playing together right now. That's what we're trying to do."
"We're just going out and playing basketball," he continued. "Everyone here knows how to play and we're competing every single night. When you compete, you put yourself in position to win. It's just playing basketball. Once you know how to play this game the right way, you can really fit into any system."
Nevertheless Anthony's pouty behavior in Friday night's 99-95 loss to the Pistons, his bad oncourt body language, his failure to join a timeout huddle when not in the game has raised red flags about his readiness to handle the pressure for being a basketball star in New York.
The honeymoon is officially over. Anthony, coming off an historically awful 6-point, 2-of-12 outing in the terrible loss, will resume talking and playing today when the Knicks face the Bucks at Bradley Center, with the club having fallen into seventh place.
“I love Orlando. The city has been very good to me and I would love to finish my career here. I want to win a championship and I want to win it in Orlando,” Howard said on the Dan Patrick Show Monday morning. “That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’ve heard rumors Dwight Howard will leave the Orlando Magic as a free agent and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.
Well, not so fast. According to the massive five-man, this isn’t so.
Howard recently told scribes he wants to finish his career in Orlando, and bring an NBA Title to Disney World. There are a few reasons for these comments:
So Howard has to keep all options open. And that’s exactly what he’s doing with his comments.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Jazz CEO Greg Miller said he made the move because of a "gut feeling" that he wouldn't be able to sign Williams to a long-term deal after next season. "If you look at what happened with Phoenix, Toronto and Cleveland ... they all lost their marquee player and had very little if anything to show for it," Miller said. "This trade allows us to be competitive now and beyond the 2012 season."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Could this be the trigger that pushes the NBA’s small market owners to demand wholesale changes to the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and financial system?
Consider the Utah Jazz’s predicament. Their superstar and best player, Deron Williams, longed for bright lights, a big city, and a chance at a championship.
That wasn’t happening in Utah, so Williams likely informed management he was opting-out of his contract in July of 2012.
Translation: he was gone.
The Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months convincing Williams to stay. Of course, the end result wouldn’t have changed and the Jazz would’ve lost their prime asset without compensation.
Just like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.
Or, the Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months negotiating a trade. They’d be daily fodder for pundits and fans on-line and on-air. Maybe Conan O’Brien would get in on the act.
Just like the Denver Nuggets with Carmelo Anthony.
Neither situation was appealing, which led to the Jazz suddenly shipping Williams to the Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and a pair of first round draft picks.
The Jazz did well, especially when considering Williams held all the cards, possessed all the leverage, and was hell-bent on using it. They were also lucky, though, because the Nets were willing to trade after losing out on Carmelo Anthony.
In four months, they –and the other small market owners- will get revenge. Much to the chagrin of the players, they’ll demand a hard cap, revenue sharing, and franchise player tags.
No more Anthony, Bosh, James, and Williams holding them hostage. And the looming lockout will be nasty, bitter, and long.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
More than half the NBA has called Denver about Nene's availability in trades, but the team's first order of business after trading Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks is convincing their offensively talented center to remain with the team. Nene is eligible to opt out of his contract this offseason, despite being owed $11.6 million for the 11-12 season.
Chauncey Billups, who had a non-guaranteed contract for the 11-12 season, but that deal will not be bought out. Billups is locked into his $14.2 million contract for the 11-12 season, according to a source. Because Billups' contract will expire for the 2012 offseason, the Knicks retain the flexibility to acquire a potential free agent such as Chris Paul or Deron Williams.
The Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony in a blockbuster trade on Monday, but the price was steeper than Donnie Walsh was hoping to pay.New York's front office has been suffering from a power struggle, with Isiah Thomas consulting James Dolan and the franchise also recently hired Mark Warkentien who is a CAA client. "This is all Dolan. All Isiah. All (Worldwide) Wes and Leon Rose," said an ally of Walsh.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony is heading to the New York Knicks, and Isiah Thomas might soon join him.
Reports indicate Knicks owner James Dolan used Isiah Thomas, a former employee, and consultant ‘Worldwide’ Wes to acquire Anthony because current Executive Donnie Walsh wasn’t bullish on the Denver Nuggets’ forward.
Clearly, there’s a power struggle occurring in the Knickerbockers’ front office. And the daggers are out since Walsh's contract expires at season's end.
Here’s the question: would Dolan actually let Walsh, a respected front office guru, leave and replace him with Thomas, a man who has slashed and burned everything he has touched since taking off a Detroit Pistons jersey?
Sadly, the answer is yes.
Yes, Dolan has reservations about re-signing Walsh –even though he cleaned up much of the cap mess Thomas created during his ‘Reign of Terror’ at Madison Square Garden.
Yes, Dolan has something against the class, stability, and professionalism Walsh exudes and has a soft spot for Thomas’ tomfoolery, shenanigans, and lawsuits.
And yes, Dolan seems apathetic to Dolan’s more restrained personality and seems taken by Thomas’ Cheshire-cat smile and charm.
If Walsh is given the boot for Thomas, the Knicks will again sink to the bottom of the standings –regardless of how much talent they have on-court.
After all, great organizations have stability at the top. Zeke only knows the opposite: instability. Since leaving the Pistons, he has walked on the Continental Basketball Association and Toronto Raptors, while also destroying the Knicks, one of the NBA’s great franchises.
To be fair, he had mediocre results as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers.
Don’t be surprised if Anthony’s return to his home of New York marks the return of Thomas. And the sequel won’t be better than the original.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Carmelo Anthony has been traded to the Knicks, according to a sources that spoke to the Denver Post and New York Daily News. New York will give up Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry's expiring contract, their own first round pick in 2014, Golden State's second round picks in 2012 and 2013, and $3 million in cash.
Randolph and Curry will go to Minnesota. Corey Brewer is also expected to be traded to the Nuggets. Going to the Knicks with Anthony will be Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The ‘Melo-Drama’ is over. The superstar got what he wanted –a return home.
The New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have reportedly completed a three team, twelve player trade that would see Carmelo Anthony play regularly at historic Madison Square Gardens.
This deal, however, raises several questions for the Knicks.
First, can Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, two Alpha Males with egos the size of Manhattan, share the ball and spotlight?
Second, should New York have gutted their roster for Anthony, a scorer who has yet to prove he can make those around him better?
Third, wouldn't they have been wiser to sign Anthony as a free agent when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed and keep their supporting pieces?
Finally, are the Knicks better with Anthony?
Nevertheless, they deserve credit for taking a chance and acquiring Anthony –even if they had to sacrifice most of their team to do so.
Only time will tell if their gamble pays off, though.
Come back to HoopsVibe News for more on the Anthony trade.
--Oly Sandor.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Carmelo Anthony has informed people close to him that he will not sign an extension with the Nets, according to sources. Anthony has had a longstanding preference to play for the Knicks.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets?
For months, Carmelo Anthony has been going back-and-forth on where he hopes the Denver Nuggets trade him. Anthony, of course, has considerable leverage because he can become a free agent at season’s end and pick where he plays.
A trade between Denver and New Jersey is now unlikely because reports are surfacing that Anthony told the Nets he wouldn’t sign an extension with them.
So the Knicks it is, apparently.
The Nets won’t mortgage the house, farm, and family compound in a trade for Anthony if he intends on crossing the Hudson River and signing with the rival Knicks. That would be a public relations disaster.
The Anthony saga is like a crime fiction novel –with twists and turns each day. Don’t completely count the Nets out.
Today, the Knicks are the frontrunner. Tomorrow is anybody’s guess, however.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe’s News in the comment box below.
The Nets and Nuggets reportedly have reached a tentative agreement on a trade that would send Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey. The deal is pending Anthony's agreement on a long-term contract extension with the Nets. The trade would send Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Balkman to New Jersey, and Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four first-round draft picks to Denver.
Through his assistant, Mikhail Prokhorov apparently denied that the Nets have re-entered trade talks with the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony.
"Mikhail has not changed his mind," the assistant wrote.When asked if that meant that New Jersey's owner is not interested in continuing his team's pursuit of Anthony, she replied as follows: What I said is what I said. Not what you said."
Reports surfaced on Wednesday and Thursday that the Nets were again engaged with Denver and the discussion was advancing.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One minute Carmelo Anthony is on his way to the New Jersey Nets as part of a seven player blockbuster trade.
One minute later, the deal is off –and the Nets are maintaining their stance about not giving away the farm to the Denver Nuggets for Anthony.
What report to believe? Well, the truth is in the middle. On paper, a deal between the Nets and Nuggets makes sense.
Mikhail Prokhorov, also known as Russia’s richest man, needs to make headlines before his Nets bolt New Jersey and move into their new billion dollar Brooklyn digs.
Nothing would get the basketball world talking like the Nets acquiring and resigning Anthony, especially if they upstage the rival New York Knicks.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets know Anthony won’t sign an extension to stay in the Mile High City. They have to make a trade before the February 24th deadline.
If there’s no trade, the small forward will become a free agent at season’s end and head for New York. The Nuggets would get nothing back and become like the 2011 Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors post Chris Bosh.
In short, the Nuggets have to cut a trade. The Nets have the best assets.
Unfortunately, both teams know the other’s hand. And the Nuggets and Nets are determined to play hard ball with each other.
Perhaps a deal happens; perhaps not. These teams will have another conversation or two before the trade deadline passes.
Just don't either side to admit it.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Still, he wonders what the future holds. I'm in a tough situation," Smith said. "They don't really know what they want to do, as far as what direction they want to go in — if they do (trade) Melo or if they don't. So it's tough for me in my position because I don't know where I stand. So, you just have to keep playing it out and see how it looks."
A report from ESPN on Tuesday indicated that the Lakers and Nuggets were holding preliminary discussions about a trade involving Carmelo Anthony and Andrew Bynum.
"What's out there is inaccurate," said a Lakers representative familiar with the negotiations. Denver is also in discussions with the Knicks, the team Anthony is reportedly set on playing for by the 11-12 season.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounded too good to be true. Glamour franchise gets glamour scorer and only gives up a talented but brittle center.
And it was.
The Los Angeles Lakers have shot down reports they were considering sending Andrew Bynum to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Carmelo Anthony.
The Lakers likely denied these reports because the Nuggets had little interest in Bynum, a massive five-man who has never fulfilled his considerable potential because of injury.
The only thing about an Anthony-for-Bynum swap that made sense was the money: their annual salaries were a rough match under the NBA’s salary cap.
Contracts aside, this idea was flawed.
For instance, the Nuggets would not give up their superstar and franchise face for an injury prone post with two years remaining on his big-ticket contract.
Instead, the Nuggets want expiring contracts, blue-chip prospects, and/or draft picks for Anthony. Bynum is none of these.
The Lakers have struggled of late; however, sacrificing Bynum’s size for Anthony’s scoring is hardly the answer. After all, Anthony is a shot-first, option-A player.
He doesn’t defer. In fact he can’t defer. And last I checked the Lakers already had the ultimate Alpha-Male scorer in Kobe Bryant.
Then there’s the issue of protecting the paint. The Lakers won game seven of last year’s NBA Finals in large part because Bynum, despite being hurt, controlled the glass against the Boston Celtics.
Without their starting five, the purple-and-gold would be vulnerable against bigger, physical squads, especially in a down-and-dirty playoff series.
Finally, Anthony will opt-out at the end of the season and become a free agent. Would Anthony re-sign out west? And would the Lakers offer an extension for the maximum available under the new financial system?
Expect the Nuggets to go in a different direction when trying to move Anthony. Expect the Lakers to also go in a different direction with any trade deadline upgrades.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
In the three-team package, the Knicks would be giving up Wilson Chandler, Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry's expiring contract. That would seem too good to be true, and one person familiar with talks said there could be other pieces involved.
"I don't think we have anything going, but we're getting a feeling for possibilities,'' Walsh said before the Knicks played the 76ers at the Garden. "We have a better feeling for what's going to happen.'' In Donniespeak, that means things have progressed, with the trade deadline still a very long 19 days away. The Nuggets would get a first-round pick, Chandler and Minnesota's Corey Brewer, but the feeling is they would have to gain more for this deal to take place.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Trading for Carmelo Anthony makes as much sense for the New York Knicks as re-hiring Isiah Thomas.
Maybe less.
After all, Anthony wants to suit up for the Knicks. He’ll take less of everything – shots, cold hard cash, and spotlight- to call Madison Square Garden home.
Why give up an expiring contract, Eddy Curry, and two young assets, Wilson Chandler and Anthony Randolph, when Anthony will sign as a free agent and cost nothing but money?
Speaking of money, Anthony will cost less as a free agent. Suppose the Knicks acquire Melo before the February 24th deadline. They would need to honour the final year of his max contract and extend him under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement.
So Anthony would make $18 million in 2012 and possibly $20 million per year from 2013 to 2016.
Suppose the Knicks hold off on a trade. To become a free agent, Anthony would have to opt-out of the last year of his current contract and leave $18 million on the table.
His next contract would fall under the new CBA, which will reduce all player salaries –even those paid to superstars.
Waiting for Anthony would cost the Knicks far less in terms of assets and money. It’s the smart, prudent move.
Unfortunately, there are rumblings Thomas will return to New York and replace executive Donnie Walsh, despite causing nothing but mayhem and destruction.
Perhaps Anthony becomes a Knick before February 24th.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Several sources told Yahoo! Sports that Carmelo Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose, has recently begun informing teams that the All-Star forward is interested in signing a contract extension with only the New York Knicks.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s representatives are confirming the worst secret in sports. One way or another, the three-man will play for the New York Knicks.
Forget the Chicago Bulls or New Jersey Nets; same with the Denver Nuggets. Anthony has his heart set on Madison Square Garden.
The only thing left to be settled is when and how much: when will the All-Star suit up in New York? And how much will it cost the player and team?
Anthony’s representatives have hurt his trade value by making it known he’ll only sign an extension with the Knicks.
This changes Anthony’s situation, making him a two month rental for most teams since he can become a free agent in July. Perhaps a contender with a closing championship window, like Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks, makes a deal before the February 24th trade deadline.
Perhaps the Knicks and Nuggets end this Melo-drama by swinging a deal before the deadline. The Knicks and Anthony would, of course, agree on an extension.
Here’s the most likely scenario: Anthony ends up waiting for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be settled, opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, and promptly signs with the Knicks.
After all, why would the Knicks sacrifice young assets like Wilson Chandler and Landry Fields in a trade for Anthony when they can simply sign him this summer?
There is a twist. Signing with the Knicks as a free agent will cost Anthony. The new CBA will reduce the value of every NBA contract, including those given to superstars. Anthony will bank several million dollars if he can get to New York and agree to an extension before season’s end.
One way or another, Anthony will be a Knick. Timing and money are all that is left to be settled.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
With a belief the injured Allen Iverson won't return this season, Besiktas of Turkey tried and failed to sign Sundiata Gaines, sources say.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is this his final answer?
Reports indicate Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson won’t return to his Turkish club team this season because of a leg injury. Of course, next year has to be in doubt, too.
However, the real issue is whether Iverson retires or keeps trudging along, seeking a job overseas as a way to land one final audition with an NBA team.
The last few years have been tough on Iverson. There was his messy divorce with the Philadelphia 76ers; he and Carmelo Anthony never met expectations with the Denver Nuggets; Detroit and Memphis was a disaster; and his reunion with the 76ers was mixed.
Before getting injured, Iverson was having a mediocre season with a somewhat competitive Turkish squad.
Perhaps Iverson is at fault for the way his career is ending. But one of the greatest little men to ever play basketball deserves better than this.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment boxes below.
ESPN Radio reported Friday that the Nuggets rejected an offer for Carmelo Anthony from the Knicks that included Chandler, Fields , Eddy Curry and a first- round pick.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Complicated is the only way to describe the Carmelo Anthony saga.
Two days after the New Jersey Nets announced they were pulling out of the Anthony sweepstakes, the Denver Nuggets reportedly turned down the New York Knicks' offer of Wilson Chandler, Eddy Curry, Landry Fields, and a first round draft pick.
The Knicks’ offer does contain an expiring contract (Curry), two nice young players (Chandler and Fields), and a first-round pick; however, the Nuggets reportedly want multiple first round draft picks and a blue-chip prospect for Anthony.
If true, the Nuggets miscalculated. The Nets easily had the best offer: 'Team Russia' was willing to part with Troy Murphy’s expiring pact, multiple first round draft picks, blue-chip talent Derrick Favors, and combo guard Devin Harris.
Instead of being greedy and holding out for more from the Nets, perhaps the Nuggets should have made a deal. Now the Nets are out. And now the Anthony saga has become, you guessed it, complicated.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Nets, announced at a Wednesday press conference that his team is ending negotiations on a trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony.
"It's been too long and too expensive," he said about the chase for Anthony. When asked if this was his final decision, he responded, "For sure." "It's my own decision," Prokhorov said. "(The Nuggets) had a very good proposal. They probably did their best to protect their interests."
Uncharacteristically candid on the topic, Avery Johnson diffused reports stating Carmelo Anthony could join the Nets this coming week. "That's laughable," Johnson said about the reports. "It's straight comedy to me and that's the problem because we deal with this stuff everyday and I'm fine dealing with it, you know, but it's laughable. It's comedy.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What can Avery Johnson say about Carmelo Anthony? After all, the New Jersey Nets’ sideline boss is in a no-win situation.
On the one hand, Johnson can’t admit the organization is trying to trade a third of the roster because the deal may not happen. And then Johnson would be stuck coaching players he tried to trade.
On the other hand, Johnson must be excited about the possibility of adding Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Rip Hamilton to a roster that already has seven-footer Brook Lopez.
But again, he can’t say anything publicly about other teams’ players because that would be tampering. Johnson is right, though. The Anthony saga is comedy. It’s laughable.
Sure, the Denver Nuggets’ swing is a talented, but the Nets seem a little too willing to put their season on hold to acquire him.
Hopefully, the Nets have a fallback. Anthony has mentioned more than once that his preference is to return home and play for the New York Knicks. He even called it the ‘ultimate’.
And Anthony has leverage in that he can opt-out of his contract at season’s end and sign with New York, the team of his choosing.
The situation is complicated for all involved, so Johnson has no choice but to laugh. In fact, it’s all he can do.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You can criticize his attitude, but you can’t criticize his talent.
Once again, J.R. Smith has produced a highlight reel play, turning heads with an improbable reverse lay-up in the Denver Nuggets’ blow-out win against the Miami Heat.
Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Without specifying either the Knicks or Nets, Carmelo Anthony said on Friday that his "ultimate" dream would be to play in New York. "That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony said. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: New York, New York.
After months of keeping quiet and letting the internet news-cycle run wild, Carmelo Anthony finally stated his dream was to return home to New York and play for the Knicks.
Fair enough. New York is familiar. The Knicks are pretty good. Madison Square Gardens is legendary. And the city also happens to be the media capital of the world.
Now the parties involved –the Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Anthony, and possibly a third team like the Memphis Grizzlies- need to make this happen.
No more talking. No more hints. No more anonymous sources. Lock yourselves in a room and agree on a deal.
Of course, the New Jersey Nets and all other suitors must back off. After all, Anthony is a free agent, meaning he can pick where he wants to play at season’s end.
So the Nets could trade for him and have him walk at season’s end to sign with the cross-town Knicks.
Hopefully, this scenario scares off the Nets. And hopefully, a resolution to this Melo’ drama is coming.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan was interested in making an offer to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets until, sources said, the All-Star forward informed Jordan through a representative that he had no interest in playing for the struggling Bobcats or signing a contract extension with them.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: As a player, Michael Jordan had influence. As an owner, he doesn’t have the same pull.
For instance, controversial forward Carmelo Anthony has politely said thanks but no thanks to joining Jordan’s Charlotte Bobcats.
The star forward recently told The GOAT he had no interest in signing a long-term extension in small market Charlotte and becoming the Bobcats’ saviour, so Jordan shouldn’t bother trying to acquire him from the Denver Nuggets.
Fair enough.
So Jordan has created a quagmire in Charlotte. As owner and head of basketball operations, he seems either unable or unwilling to draft and develop players.
This means he must build his squad through trades and free agency –which is problematic. For instance, superstars and top talent, like Anthony, prefer major markets with filthy rich owners to Jordan’s poorer, small market Bobcats.
Unfortunately, Jordan is again learning the hard way that owning and running a team is very different than starring for one.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Another player the Nuggets will likely move is shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 30 teams love his talent and hate his attitude.
Of course, we’re referring to J.R. Smith, the skilled but outlandish two-guard for the Denver Nuggets.
Smith can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing.
He can also alienate with his attitude. For instance, Smith and Denver Coach George Karl don’t talk. Assistant coaches have acted as go-betweens for several years.
An opposing GM might be tempted to deal for Smith before the February trade deadline. He has toned down his antics and recently set the viral world ablaze with last week’s facial on Gary Neal.
Best of all, Smith’s $6 million per year comes off the books July 1st, so there’s little risk. His expiring contract will provide financial flexibility whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled.
Enter the Chicago Bulls. They could use a little more offensive punch, especially with Carlos Boozer struggling to find his form after a pre-season injury.
The hold-up is Carmelo Anthony. The ‘Melo-drama’ is complicated and Smith’s contract may be needed to complete any trade with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.
Bottom line: Smith’s future in Denver is uncertain.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.