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An NBA Melo-drama explained

Carmelo Anthony is at the centre of another bumber transfer saga. Ballin’

THERE AT The Score we’re keen observers of the LeBron James soap opera.

Today however, we’re taking a look at another 2003 NBA draft-pick who has been making the headlines in US sport over the last few days.

Carmelo Anthony, the small forward from Syracuse, was picked third in the 2003 draft, ending up at the Denver Nuggets, while LeBron James was taken as the number one pick – joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Earlier this year, James switched allegiances to Miami Heat, and now Anthony is on the move as well – but where to?

The most recent reports have linked Anthony with a big trade to the New Jersey Nets, a deal which would involve up to fifteen players and three teams in the transaction – but this agreement is based on the hope, rather than the presumption Anthony will sign a $65millon contract extension with New Jersey.

At the moment, it’s looking unlikely that Carmelo would fancy moving shop to New Jersey – meaning the potential for a huge deal for the Nuggets will fall through.

It’s been made clear by the 26-year-old that his preference sits with Nets neighbours the New York Knicks, but the Nuggets aren’t interested in seeing their star ‘baller traded to the Knicks or risk losing out on a bumper deal with the Nets.

The deal with New Jersey also involves the Detroit Pistons, and, if the deal miraculously goes through, would see Denver pick up two future first round picks and up-coming prospect Derrick Favors, amongst others.

If the two franchises can strike an agreement, Brooklyn-born Anthony will be granted permission to speak with New Jersey billionaire owner Mikhail Prockhorov and part-owner Jay-Z, who plan to move the team to Brooklyn in time for the 2012-13 season.

While the Nuggets are reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of negotiations with New York, who don’t have a first round pick or players of benefit to offer in return, Carmelo’s desire to join the Knicks may give the team a higher chance of landing the player than their closer rivals.

Here’s a highlight video of some of Carmelo’s biggest plays in the NBA – with your daily fix of Kanye thrown in too:

Author
Kevin Coleman
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