The New Jersey Nets’ interest in working out a deal with the Denver Nuggets for superstar forward Carmelo Anthony is old news, but The New York Post is now reporting that the deal could include up to 17 players plus an undisclosed quantity of draft picks. The deal would also include the Detroit Pistons and would involve the largest number of players in any deal in NBA history.
The previous record was 13, but that trade involved five teams — the Heat, Grizzlies, Hornets, Celtics and Jazz — in 2005. The centerpiece of that deal was Antoine Walker, who went from Boston to Miami. Walker played only three more seasons in the NBA, averaging 9.5 points per game over that span. He’s currently in the NBA’s D-League and doesn’t seem to be having an easy go at it.
The question that remains unanswered is why is any team other than the Knicks willing to give up young talent and future draft picks for Anthony when it’s well-documented that he wants to play in New York? Carmelo has a three-year $65 million offer on the table from the Nuggets, but refuses to sign it. The Nets are reportedly willing to give up Devin Harris and Derrick Favors — two young and extremely talented players.
New Jersey isn’t going to compete for anything this year even with Anthony, and if he leaves after this season they would be left with basically nothing. The Nets are reportedly trying to prevent the Knicks from getting Anthony, though I’m not sure why. This isn’t a Red Sox-Yankees or Celtics-Lakers type rivalry. It’s not a rivalry at all. The Nets are horrible and the Knicks are middle-of-the-pack in the East. The trade doesn’t make any sense for New Jersey. They should keep their players and draft picks and prepare for the long-term, because it’s doubful Carmelo Anthony will be a part of it regardless.
