I love the idea of trading for Carmelo. The cost for Butler sounds so prohibitive while won't need to sacrifice our future for Melo. AJ, Zeller, Bradley, a couple of non Brooklyn first round picks, or a first and Yab should be enough for Melo and Quinn.
Melo could disrupt the chemistry of the team, be a ball stopper, and lazy defender, but I think we should take the chance. Our team isn't built for the playoffs with only one go to scorer. In the playoffs, teams can plan on stopping IT more effectively than during the hectic regular season. Melo gives us that additional scorer. We have seen him play an effective team game in the Olympics. Granted that team was full of other stars, but he would realize his time is running out and this would be his last chance to contend.
We certainly wouldn't be the favorites, but we might have a fighting chance. And of course we would still have Brown and the Brooklyn picks.