Trade deadline should resolve Melodrama
With two games left before the All-Star break and three before the trade deadline, the Nuggets are tied for the sixth seed in the West -- with struggling teams all around them. Utah, Portland, Memphis, Phoenix, Houston and Golden State all have issues of their own, and none has proved demonstrably better than Denver when the Nuggets are healthy.
Some high-ranking personnel in the organization believe that without injuries to Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen and Chauncey Billups -- not to mention the persistent trade rumors and the games Anthony missed due to the tragic death of his sister -- the Nuggets might very well be as high as third in the West. Team officials also are pleased with Anthony, who is averaging 29.5 points per game since the Nets walked away from the negotiating table -- including a 50-point game and a 42-point game. Given the circumstances, and the added value of home playoff dates with a lockout looming, the best course of action might be to keep Anthony and find ways to improve the roster without taking on future money.
Several players on expiring contracts who could help Denver are expected to be available in the coming days. According to league sources, Portland is expected to entertain offers for several of its older players, including Joel Przybilla, who would provide some much-needed depth on Denver's front line. Same for Indiana's Jeff Foster, as Pacers president Larry Bird has publicly stated that he will explore cashing in expiring contracts for assets as opposed to waiting for free agency. The Rockets, one of the few teams willing to take on money, could make Shane Battier available if they can upgrade their talent. Battier would give Denver coach George Karl another dependable and versatile wing defender.
If Anthony still didn't sign the extension, the Nuggets would have until June 30 to complete an extend-and-trade -- though they wouldn't be able to import any expiring contracts in a trade executed after the season. Another option would be to deal Anthony in a sign-and-trade after the new CBA is in place, but that seems unlikely.
