Nets close to acquiring Melo; Melo would sign extension (Rumor, No New News)

[PSquared]

Some of you stating that Melo would rather go to the Knicks because they're "shining" right now probably also think that it's because it's NEW YORK.

Well in 2 years, the Nets are going to be in Brooklyn so there's your "NEW YORK" right there, too. 

I think THIS(something no one has really considered) is why Melo could be willing to go to the Nets instead of the Knicks. 

And someone else did just say that the Nets would be HIS team just like the Knicks would be Amare's team.   He'd be second fiddle to Amare if he was a Knick.

[wiley]

I'd love to see Melo go to a youngish contender.

I'd love to see another team come together in the East that is capable of battling the Heat for the next 5-7 years. So the Knicks and their continued development would be something I'd very much like to see.

See, I think the Knicks might be better off not getting Melo.  I think they could be better off solidifying the center spot, and building the wing spot similar to the Suns did, without real superstars, but a bunch of long, athletic guys who can shoot, and cause havoc.

Very much agree Chris, contrary to Van Gundy and Mark Jackson's view.

I'd like to see the Knicks stick with their current starters for a good long while and acquire two non-starting beasts and a sly, slick, veteran sharpshooting wing also to come of the bench....and see what happens...The harest part is the two beastly bigs off the bench....might have to settle for something a bit less dramatic....something talent and skill-wise along the lines of Camby and Kaman (could start Kaman if desired), Gortat and Landry, Bass and Mohammed...don't know...just thinking talent level if they could eventually get more bigs of that caliber.....

[Chris]

Some of you stating that Melo would rather go to the Knicks because they're "shining" right now probably also think that it's because it's NEW YORK.

Well in 2 years, the Nets are going to be in Brooklyn so there's your "NEW YORK" right there, too. 

I think THIS(something no one has really considered) is why Melo could be willing to go to the Nets instead of the Knicks. 

And someone else did just say that the Nets would be HIS team just like the Knicks would be Amare's team.   He'd be second fiddle to Amare if he was a Knick.

See, I don't think it is because it is "New York", or that they are shining.  I think it is because it is both the team he loved growing up, and it is THE brand.  Regardless of whether they are winning or losing, the Knicks are the team in NY.  The Nets moving to Brooklyn is not going to change that.  All of the kids who grew up as Knicks fans are not going to suddenly start loving the Nets because they moved across the river.

The Nets are the Clippers, Mets, and Jets.  They may build a following, and fill some seats when they are winning, but they will never have the history and draw of a team like the Knicks.

Just like people point to the Celtics history drawing players in over some expansion team with no history, the same thing is true with the Knicks.  They don't just want to play in the biggest city in the world, they want to be part of the organization that is synonymous with NY basketball.

[Who]

The Nets are the Clippers, Mets, and Jets.  

I think it was Carmelo who recently said the Nets moving to Brooklyn could be an LA Clippers to the LA Lakers type of situation.

The ugly little brother (Brooklyn Nets) to real team (New York Knicks).

------------------------------------------------

Update: Found a link with the quote I was thinking of.

Then there was Anthony's telling remark after Saturday's practice at the Reebok Club on the Upper West Side when he raised the possibility of the Nets not getting out of the "Lakers-Clippers'' rut -- even after the move to Brooklyn in two years.

"We shall see,'' Anthony said of the Nets move to Brooklyn. "A lot of people are waiting for that team to move to Brooklyn to see how it's going to turn out -- if it's going to be a Lakers-Clippers situation or what.''

Reading between the lines, that did not sound like a man eager to get to Newark, appearing to compare the Knicks to the Lakers and the Clippers to the Nets. Obviously, the Nets and Nuggets believe Carmelo will come around to being a Brooklyn Nets pioneer.

http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/knicksblog/during_nyc_visit_carmelo_made_unfavorable_tC9WHK24SPFI1pEuj9lxjM

[Who]

I'd love to see Melo go to a youngish contender.

I'd love to see another team come together in the East that is capable of battling the Heat for the next 5-7 years. So the Knicks and their continued development would be something I'd very much like to see.

See, I think the Knicks might be better off not getting Melo.  I think they could be better off solidifying the center spot, and building the wing spot similar to the Suns did, without real superstars, but a bunch of long, athletic guys who can shoot, and cause havoc.

I don't think the Knicks are dynamic enough offensively to get by with Amare at the four and three role players on the perimeter (Felton, Fields, Gallo/Chandler).

They currently look vastly superior offensively due to Amare playing the five where he has a huge quickness advantage on a nightly basis + having Gallinari at the four with his beautiful jump shot.

Move Amare back to the PF position + Gallo back to the SF position + plug in a defensive minded center who is likely fairly limited offensively ... and NY's offense will decline considerably.

I don't think they are good enough to compete for a title with an offense that limited. The Knicks need to bring in another player who can create offensively at a high level (preferably a playmaker / scorer rather than an out and out scorer like Melo).

[indeedproceed]

Some of you stating that Melo would rather go to the Knicks because they're "shining" right now probably also think that it's because it's NEW YORK.

Well in 2 years, the Nets are going to be in Brooklyn so there's your "NEW YORK" right there, too. 

I think THIS(something no one has really considered) is why Melo could be willing to go to the Nets instead of the Knicks. 

And someone else did just say that the Nets would be HIS team just like the Knicks would be Amare's team.   He'd be second fiddle to Amare if he was a Knick.

2 years is 2 years.

Carmelo has the opportunity to (possibly, this is assuming the Knicks are putting the package out there) go to a team that is already playoff-bound, on the way up, and still finding its self.

Carmelo Anthony might not be on LeBron's level talent-wise (ha..I said "might"..there is no way he's even close), and he's not on CP3's level or a lot of other players, but Carmelo Anthony is absolutely revered in NYC. Right now. Forget about 2 years, right now he's worshiped.

This is not like when Garnett came to Boston where it was already Pierce's team..and this is not like LeBron going to Wade's team.

This is Carmelo Anthony coming home. The Knicks are "shining" (as I put it), because they're over-producing. They're playing above their paygrade..and they're still feeling each other out.

Carmelo could either go home to the team that embodies NY more than any other except the Yankees..he could go to a playoff team that won't have to give up too much talent to retain him, and he can go to a team that is already IN New York.

Contrast that against the Nets. They're a gussied up last place team right now, until Favors or Harris really step forward as stars. The Nets play in a crappy venue in New Jersey, while there is as much contention and hostility around the new Atlantic Yards venue as there is excitement. In truth the people most excited for the Nets to move to Brooklyn probably don't live in NYC at all.

On top of that, the Nets are going to have to win over that city, one fan at a time. They're going to have to take years to carve out a large enough fan base to fill that arena. Right now, I'd bet 95% of the fans in Brooklyn who like the NBA like the Knicks.

The Nets are going to have to sell their hand to buy a glove if they're going to get Carmelo. The Knicks are just going to have to sell a finger or 2. It is easy to see the KNicks are more appealing. They're shining.   

[Chris]

I'd love to see Melo go to a youngish contender.

I'd love to see another team come together in the East that is capable of battling the Heat for the next 5-7 years. So the Knicks and their continued development would be something I'd very much like to see.

See, I think the Knicks might be better off not getting Melo.  I think they could be better off solidifying the center spot, and building the wing spot similar to the Suns did, without real superstars, but a bunch of long, athletic guys who can shoot, and cause havoc.

I don't think the Knicks are dynamic enough offensively to get by with Amare at the four and three role players on the perimeter (Felton, Fields, Gallo/Chandler).

They currently look vastly superior offensively due to Amare playing the five where he has a huge quickness advantage on a nightly basis + having Gallinari at the four with his beautiful jump shot.

Move Amare back to the PF position + Gallo back to the SF position + plug in a defensive minded center who is likely fairly limited offensively ... and NY's offense will decline considerably.

I don't think they are good enough to compete for a title with an offense that limited. The Knicks need to bring in another player who can create offensively at a high level (preferably a playmaker / scorer rather than an out and out scorer like Melo).

Well, I just think Gallo is going to be a star.  I think we are only seeing glimpses right now, but in a year or two, I expect him to be a 20+ point per game scorer, who is very efficient working within the offense.  

I also think they are going to continue to improve as Felton gets even better in the system.  

Plus, it doesn't hurt that I just think Melo is incredibly overrated (and you no one is changing my opinion on that, so take it for what it is).

[Who]

I'd love to see Melo go to a youngish contender.

I'd love to see another team come together in the East that is capable of battling the Heat for the next 5-7 years. So the Knicks and their continued development would be something I'd very much like to see.

See, I think the Knicks might be better off not getting Melo.  I think they could be better off solidifying the center spot, and building the wing spot similar to the Suns did, without real superstars, but a bunch of long, athletic guys who can shoot, and cause havoc.

I don't think the Knicks are dynamic enough offensively to get by with Amare at the four and three role players on the perimeter (Felton, Fields, Gallo/Chandler).

They currently look vastly superior offensively due to Amare playing the five where he has a huge quickness advantage on a nightly basis + having Gallinari at the four with his beautiful jump shot.

Move Amare back to the PF position + Gallo back to the SF position + plug in a defensive minded center who is likely fairly limited offensively ... and NY's offense will decline considerably.

I don't think they are good enough to compete for a title with an offense that limited. The Knicks need to bring in another player who can create offensively at a high level (preferably a playmaker / scorer rather than an out and out scorer like Melo).

Well, I just think Gallo is going to be a star.  I think we are only seeing glimpses right now, but in a year or two, I expect him to be a 20+ point per game scorer, who is very efficient working within the offense.  

I also think they are going to continue to improve as Felton gets even better in the system.  

Plus, it doesn't hurt that I just think Melo is incredibly overrated (and you no one is changing my opinion on that, so take it for what it is).

My belief in Gallinari has been slowly declining over the past few months. 

I thought he'd be further along by now + the flashes of athleticism that he had when he entered the league are too few and far between. I am worried he lost too much with that injury.

My optimism on Gallinari is fading ... I need to see more over the next few months for it to be rekindled.

----------------------------------------------------

Raymond Felton is another guy who benefits greatly from the Knicks starting Amare at center alongside three wings who can shoot from distance.

Plug in a center + switch Amare to PF + switch Gallo to SF ... and Raymond Felton's performance will come back down to Earth. He won't have the space he's enjoying and flourishing with anymore.

[dpaps]

The best trade for the Nets to win after aquiring Melo is trying to dump any contract other than Brook Lopez. If they can get Melo, keep Brook, and dump Farmar, Morrow and Travis Outlaw, either in the Denver trade or in another trade, they could go into the off season with Melo, Brook, and a ton of cap space. That's the fastest way for NJ to win IMO.

Who would take Outlaw's ridiculous contract though? Maybe the worst signing of last summer.

[jsingh1699]

i assume the ideal scenario would be sending curry and chandler and getting melo (i know this is far fetched, but lets assume this is what happens).

you move melo into the 3 spot, everyone else stays the same. felton, fields, melo, galo, amare.

this team wont be instant contenders. they are way too soft to have a chance against the celts, lakers, and even the bulls and magic. its like orlando (softies are dhoward), except that amare is also soft. its like bosh playing the 5 in miami. they wouldnt get past the celts, magic, bulls, and miami in a 7 game series with melo.

[Eat Your Greenys]

i assume the ideal scenario would be sending curry and chandler and getting melo (i know this is far fetched, but lets assume this is what happens).

you move melo into the 3 spot, everyone else stays the same. felton, fields, melo, galo, amare.

this team wont be instant contenders. they are way too soft to have a chance against the celts, lakers, and even the bulls and magic. its like orlando (softies are dhoward), except that amare is also soft. its like bosh playing the 5 in miami. they wouldnt get past the celts, magic, bulls, and miami in a 7 game series with melo.

is Amar'e really that soft how we think he is?  or thought he was? 

[Fafnir]

i assume the ideal scenario would be sending curry and chandler and getting melo (i know this is far fetched, but lets assume this is what happens).

you move melo into the 3 spot, everyone else stays the same. felton, fields, melo, galo, amare.

this team wont be instant contenders. they are way too soft to have a chance against the celts, lakers, and even the bulls and magic. its like orlando (softies are dhoward), except that amare is also soft. its like bosh playing the 5 in miami. they wouldnt get past the celts, magic, bulls, and miami in a 7 game series with melo.

is Amar'e really that soft how we think he is?  or thought he was? 

Rebounding and defensively he seems to be, though some see him as improved on the defensive end I haven't seen it personally.

[guava_wrench]

I am expecting the Brooklyn Nets to be a big hit nationally. I expect Brooklyn caps to rival Yankee caps. The name Brooklyn has as much street cred as NY. When Jay-Z starts wearing Brooklyn caps, all bets are off.

I don't see he Nets being any worse off than they were in NJ. In fact, even while in NJ the Nets had a multistory ad with Jason Kidd on the side of a building in Times Square. They have always competed for NYC fans. It will be easier when they are a subway ride away.

Regarding Amare being soft, I think he is. Weak back to the basket game. Defense is mostly help blocks. Is anyone intimidated by his defense?

[Moranis]

With Nash possibly on the block I wonder if the Nets can work them into a three-way trade.  I have no idea what Phoenix is really looking for, but this trade works financially

Denver receives - Favors, Murphy, Humphries, 3 NJ firsts (2 this year, 1 next year)
Phoenix receives - Harris, 1 NJ first (this year)
NJ receives - Melo, Nash, Harrington

Not great value for Nash, but then again he is 36 and doesn't play defense so getting a solid young PG and a draft pick is at least decent value.

[Snakehead]

I am expecting the Brooklyn Nets to be a big hit nationally. I expect Brooklyn caps to rival Yankee caps. The name Brooklyn has as much street cred as NY. When Jay-Z starts wearing Brooklyn caps, all bets are off.

I don't see he Nets being any worse off than they were in NJ. In fact, even while in NJ the Nets had a multistory ad with Jason Kidd on the side of a building in Times Square. They have always competed for NYC fans. It will be easier when they are a subway ride away.

Regarding Amare being soft, I think he is. Weak back to the basket game. Defense is mostly help blocks. Is anyone intimidated by his defense?

I don't think I'd go as far as saying they would be Yankees popular (even just in hats or merch) but they would definitely be popular I think, and I think they'd be in a MUCH stronger situation than in New Jersey.

Regarding Amare, he is probably underrated as a rebounder (though he isn't that good let me be clear, but he isn't bad like many say) and he is soft in one on one defense.  He is a good help side shot blocker though, you have to give him that, and that is a valuable skill.


This trade is interesting, but really the "other talent needs to come along with Melo" part is what interests me because they just mention Al Harrington and that can't even be close to enough if they are serious.  Who else would be involved?  I'll be interested to see.

I think the Knicks are just not in the situation to land him right now.  No draft picks and they don't seem willing to part with the young players.  I think they have some quality guys but they are not going to be contenders unless they add a good player.  Maybe Melo is not quite the answer but I do think that he would put them much closer than they are now.

Getting a good Center would be the safe bet and they could still run small at times.  You can go small but you can't go big to match up in the playoffs when you have to without a real Center.  A quality slashing and creative SG would also be big for them I think.  Wilson Chandler has been filling that role and doing great this year but there are better players out there.