A Fare-Mel to Carms?

Is Carmelo Anthony an evil genius?  Has his low-browed-ness  really just been a cover-up all these years?  Is he currently planning one of the grandest schemes in recent NBA trade history?  I, for one, would like to think not, but why dont we take a look at this possible conspiracy, just for a second, just to see how it feels.

The grumblings started earlier this week when Melo was reportedly quoted saying that he would take a "Long, hard look" at signing the 3-year $65 million extension that Denver has had on the table since early 2010 if he wasn't traded by the February 24th deadline.  Initially, this sounded like great news!  I know I was pretty excited about it.  This was the first time in this whole trade saga that Melo hinted, on the record, that he might not leave Denver after all.

But lets look at this for a minute, is that just what he "wanted" the people of Denver, the team, and the ownership to think?  If it was, than his plan is rather genius.  By letting the Nuggets believe that they have a chance of retaining their star player, the pressure is now off of the Knicks, the team that Melo has made known that he wished to play for in the future, to make a trade.  In the height of the trade talks, there was a chance the Knicks would have had to give up emerging rookie Landry Fields along with All-star caliber swing-man Danilio "the Situation" Gallinari in order to get Melo this season.  Obviously the Nuggets want to get something in exchange for Melo in order to facilitate their rebuilding process.  However, if Melo pretends like he is going to stay, the Nuggets will stop shopping him, allowing for him to sign with New York as a free agent this offseason.  Furthermore, he would be joining a team that didn't have to give up any young assets in order to get him.  Thus, the Knicks keep their entire roster AND get Melo vs.  having to give up two really promising pieces in exchange for him.

But would the Mel-man (Karl Malone pun, eh?eh?) really do something this diabolical?  In my heart of hearts I cannot believe it.  I think the reality is the looming uncertainty with the future of the NBA.  With the chances of a lockout on the horizon,  it might be the smart move for Melo to take this guaranteed contract for some serious bucks.  Plus, hes already a legend in Denver.  He's got a good team around him and a hall of fame coach in a conference where defense is essentially an afterthought.  By remaining in Denver the man would not only get paid, but would have a legitimate chance a winning an NBA title.

I mean, if Melo stays the Nuggets become instant contenders for the next few years.  Its clear that they already have a nice corps of guys around Anthony:  Nene, who is having a career year, Billups, who at age 34 is still playing like a 24 year old, the youth movement in the back court of the always exciting Arron Afflalo (did you SEE his game winner against Dallas last night?!) and Ty Lawson, the starter-in-waiting behind Billups, and a nice veteran presence on the bench with Kenyon Martin and JR "Swish".  The only moves I could see the team making that would further their cause would be to get another big man who can play opposite Nene and a young shooting guard would could come off the bench for Afflalo and provide a spark.  Other than that, this team is solid.  The pieces are in place, so is it really that hard to envision Melo sticking around?  I don't think so.

So let the talking heads continue to discuss possible trade destinations for Melo ad naseum, but don't be surprised if he's wearing that Baby blue and Yellow uniform come October.