Carmelo Anthony for Joakim Noah?

While I certainly do not expect an atmosphere similar to The Decision when Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony's current contract expires at the end of the 2011 NBA season, there is no doubt that Carmelo Anthony is the most prolific player potentially entering free agency after the coming NBA season.

The Nuggets have attempted to make Anthony a very wealthy man in exchange for remaining in Denver for three more seasons. Anthony, thus far, has balked. The sports media rumor mill is suggesting that the Nuggets may be exploring the possibility of Anthony for the Chicago Bulls' big man, Joakim Noah.

There are a lot of moving parts in this equation. Both Anthony and Noah's contracts expire at the end of the 2011 season. Anthony would become an unrestricted free agent and Noah would be a restricted free agent, having completed his rookie contract. The short and long term value of both players to both teams, I believe, ultimately hinge on Anthony's decision on with whom to sign a long term deal.

Assuming the Nuggets and Bulls pull the trigger on a trade, there are a number of factors to consider. If Melo attempts to bolt for a team like the New York Knicks, as it has been widely speculated (I still don't understand what rational person would put himself in that position if he is already in a place like Chicago), the Bulls can still offer more money, in the form of a max contract, and get some kind of value in a sign-and-trade deal with New York. It is better than nothing, which is what they might get for Noah.

Remember, Noah is talented, but the roads have been a little rocky for him at times in Chicago and, to me, he seems to be the most likely among players completing their fourth year to opt for a change in scenery. This is also good for the Nuggets, If Carmelo is not coming back, Noah is an oatmeal-is-better-than-no-meal type of compensation. If it works out, they'll have an excellent shot at keeping him, long-term and, worst case, they have the leverage to force a trade or gain some kind of compensation.


Ultimately, the wisdom (or lack thereof) in this deal will boil down to whether or not the Nuggets really believe they can resign Anthony after 2011. The season starts next month so time is of the essence. The Nuggets need to keep their ears to the ground and their noses to the grindstone because, of all parties involved, they stand to be the biggest winners or losers in these combinations of possible transactions.