Are The Hornets After Carmelo?
by calicowboyz on Jul 28, 2010 4:19 PM MDT
28 comments
It has been assumed that the New Orleans Hornets would have to trade guard Chris Paul at some point this year, mainly because most people believe his agent Leon Rose and Chris Paul's new "advisors" at LRMR Marketing won't keep quiet until that's done.
The Hornets don't see it that way. What the Hornets see is they need to acquire a second star-level player to pair with Chris Paul and do it without sending off all their young talent to make a deal.
There are two players the Hornets covet and both could be the kind of talent that makes Chris happy again and the Hornets believe they have the assets to make a deal.
The first is the home run and that is Denver's Carmelo Anthony.
The Nuggets have a three-year contract extension on the table, yet Anthony has not signed it and sources close to the situation say he will not sign it until Denver's turbulent front office situation is resolved.
Nuggets' Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien and Vice President of Player Personnel Rex Champman have yet to reach new deals with the Nuggets and their current contracts expire on September 1st.
Nuggets head coach George Karl has one more year left on his deal and the Nuggets roster is hardly a model of youth and vibrancy.
The Nuggets entertained trade talks involving Carmelo before the draft, more as a motivator to get Melo back to the table, but since then talks have really gone nowhere as Melo's camp is in wait and see mode.
The Hornets feel like with their mix of ending contracts like Peja Stojakovic's $14.2 million and younger reasonably priced All-Star talent like David West and his $8.28 million contract combined with huge upside players like Darren Collison, Marcus Thornton and Quincy Pondexter that the Hornets can be in the game if the Nuggets decide to move Melo.
Nuggets ownership has made it clear at all levels – if Carmelo won't extend they have to move him. The Hornets are hoping they can get involved if and when that happens.
The less attractive option is Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala. The 76ers listened to offers on Andre at the trade deadline last year and opted not to move him.
New 76ers coach Doug Collins swears he can make Andre the focal point of the team and have success, but if that doesn't happen quickly, the 76ers could find themselves back at the table and Iguodala is an options that New Orleans would consider, mainly because he could be obtained without giving up David West and all of the Hornets' young talent.
The Chris Paul drama won't end until the Hornets roster is improved, and before you go writing the Hornets out of the story, understand they have the assets to make a deal and are willing to take on contract dollars to make a splash.
source http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16938Write respectfully of your SB Nation community and yourself.
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Thanks for Posting
Good information that Melo wants the FO situation resolved before signing.
The idea of the Hornets wanting Melo though, makes little sense. All of the stories and problems with them and Chris Paul revolve around their inability to spend enough money to be competitve. Suddenly, they can afford another max contract? More likely, the Hornets are floating this story in an attempt to placate Paul and shift the attention off of their guy and onto Melo.
Formerly KS and CS
by ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown on Jul 28, 2010 4:40 PM MDT reply actions
This article is pure speculation from hoopsworld...
that site has noticeably declined (especially about Nuggz stuff) since Travis Heath left…
this isn’t a “rumor” it’s speculation, like if me or you or any1 on this site wrote a fan post about trading for Dwight Howard…. sure we could make points and shit, but it aint happening…
also if they think Melo’s leaving, why would they want Peja’s Serbian expiring contract? be much better of letting Melo expire lol…. we have no need for Collison either…. the guy who wrote this is a complete tool
Wrong
If NO was going that route they could get Danny Granger much easier than Melo. The Pacers are in dire need of a PG and Collison would be much more attractive to INdiana than Denver and second, If New Orleans would also take on Murphy with Granger for West, Thorton and Collison, that would be a much easier deal to get done than a Nuggets one.
"Don't chase the money, chase the dream"
Quitters People United Member #71
Pacers are pretty grounded in not wanting to trade Granger who's their cornerstone
And wisely the Pacers are also now (supposedly of course) unwilling to trade Murphy because of health issues with their other bigs.
The Melo scenario definitely is the message to send to CP3 to stay… rather than go to NY & play with Melo, we’ll just bring Melo to the Big Easy.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
It's not happening man
"Don't chase the money, chase the dream"
Quitters People United Member #71
by Garrett Olsen on Jul 29, 2010 6:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Nuggs and NO are in similar situations...
but not necessarily complementary in terms of doing a deal.
They both have salary issues and a wavering superstar, they both have 2 expiring contracts (NO has Peja and Songaila) which will be worth more as the trade deadline approaches, they both could sweeten salary dump deals with fine young PGs, they both have considerable confusion in the FO, they both need to add talent (not blow it up) to satisfy their marquee studs.
So I don’t see them matching up well for a deal, unless one of the two does decide to blow it up big time. They both might do better with other trading partners.
by slader on Jul 29, 2010 2:20 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Sounds like someone in the Nuggets FO is trying to use Melo as ammo to get themselves re-signed. I really find it very hard to believe that Melo’s decision to sign or not sign has anything at all to do with the Nuggets FO situation. He hasn’t even been back to Denver yet since the offer was put on the table, so the rumors continue to fly as no one has yet to get a single quote from the ultimate source – Melo himself!
I agree, I don't think it does either
I’m constantly amazed by the teflon coated pass many of the posters throw all over Wark but then turn around and trash all the others with no base in fact either way. In 2008 the Nugs FO was the laughingstock in the NBA; in 2009 Wark gets Exec of the Year even though his role did not change and the others were just a responsible for the good and the bad. The award only goes to one person rather than a group so Wark got it by default more than merit over the others
Personally I’ve tired of Wark’s games and am fine with him leaving. Rather than action or directly answering a question, he always tries to bully the interviewer with lame rhetoric (the infamous Big Bertha fiasco). Dumars was the real hero for being classy enough to send Billups home rather than to the highest bidder. To me Wark gets credit for getting rid of AI before the league found out he lost it. But even then I don’t think that would’ve stopped Dumars because he solely wanted AI for his $20m expiring contract.
The bargain basement signings have improved a bit (not a lot though) with Wark (Dahntay, AAA) over Kiki (Najera, Evans). No Wark does not get credit for Bird; Kiki found & signed him first; Wark just resigned Bird when his drug suspension ended and had no other bidders for Bird. But remember Wark is also a responsible party for the infamous JailBlazers and if he had his way he would’ve brough Zach Randolph to the Nuggets.
Neither Stan nor Melo have publicly spoken about the FO so everything has been uninformed poster & talking head chatter. Both Rex & Wark’s contracts expire, so far neither have been offered an extension.
I’m fully expecting rather than being fired both Rex & Wark will just wander off unsigned seeking jobs elsewhere (like they’ve already been trying). The front office would then be Bearup & Son of Stan; the 3headed monster becomes 2headed. Of course I could be wrong.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
Good post
Does seem the most likely scenario.
by Artimus Mangilord on Jul 29, 2010 12:36 PM MDT up reply actions
NOH is a cautionary tale to the Nugs
The Nugs have been NOH version 2.0; NOH has a huge season & cinderella playoff run only to be followed by injury & disappointment the following year and then near total freefall after that.
The Nugs are following the NOH model just one year behind; that’s why it’s been huge that Stan needs to be slapped on the back of his head (like you grandmother would do to you when you’re being really stupid… because nobody ever messes with grandma!) and turn this around in earnest before the Nugs go into Year 3 freefall like NOH did.
George Shinn, the rare owner who’s taken a magical relationship between team & city and completely flush it down the drain….TWICE! The Charlotte Hornets were the hottest thing until Shinn so totally destroyed the relationship to the point they had to move to New Orleans.
I was down in New Orleans last May…that city absolutely loves the Hornets and CP3… but since then Shinn has nearly destroyed that relationship too.
It’ll be a challenge for the new NOH regime to turn it around, but if they can it’ll be a real special place to be the star player of.
ps. I also get a chuckle out of the moral wannabes who’ve been trying to roast CP3 for his displeasure in his situation because he has 2 more years. Frankly what is a player supposed to do when he’s lied to? CP3 signs an extension and the team immediately starts to go downhill and the owner & FO do not keep their word about keeping the team title-worthy.
You and I in real life if we get hosed like that we quit our job and move on in our field. In the NBA you don’t have that option; I suppose if CP3 could just vacate his contract he would; but the team won’t because they wouldn’t get anything back.
That describes another situation and also may explain the reluctance of why a certain player isn’t willing to sign an extension yet.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
I agree with a big part of what you say about CP3
His only real leverage is to complain loudly. And doing the loud complaining now is the right time because a lot of owners and GM’s still have the LeBron thing on their minds. When is CP3 supposed to complain about his situation, after his contract expires and he moves on to another team? No, I think now is the time for him to complain because if his FO listens, by the time his contract expires maybe they will have done some good things to make him want to stay.
Are the Hornets after Carmelo? Maybe it won’t work out but if you owned an NBA team, wouldn’t you be after Melo?
I tell ya, if you wanted to be the superstar of a team and absolutely own the town, New Orleans would be a great fit
I’ve spent a bit of time the last few years in New Orleans, New York & Chicago for various business travel. NY rocks and I could easily live in Little Italy and just soak up the whole experience.
But I tell you I absolutely love New Orleans and if you’re a 20something pro athlete in a party town like the Big Easy that really loves their team, that would be an incredible experience that would rank with the Lakers & Knicks in personal experience, just not on ESPN.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
I fell in love with the French Quarter and amazingly didn't get mugged or pick-pocketed
Though that’s not the street for good music; there was just too much bad Hard Rock Nascar wannabe music being played by dueling bars always across the street from the other each cranking the speakers to 11 on a dial of 10.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
Whenever I arrive back home the first thing I do is hit the daiquiri shop on Williams Blvd & I-10
You will take I-10 from the airport to the Vieux Carre so this shop is along the way. Get your first buzz on something cold when you hit that hot humidity.
My favourite daiquiri’s in no particular order:
130 Octane
The Head Butt
44 Magnum
idk
never tried those. i went to the sugar bowl a couple of years ago when Hawaii was playing. ppl were sayin hand grenades were the shit, so i tried it and was hooked. preferred that over the hurricanes. if i ever go back, ill try those 3 u listed.
ate at a lot of restaurants there too. tried NOLA which i believe is one of Emeril’s places. i really liked Mothers though, ate there like 3 times.
let's go nuggets! who u wit?
by 808inDenver on Jul 30, 2010 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, lots of good places to eat.
For Breakfast – Betsy’s Pancake House
Lunch – Cafe Maspero
Dinner – Olivier’s Creole Restaurant
After Dinner fun – Snug Harbor Jazz
There's this Oyster Bar called Desire on the corner of the Royal Sonesta Hotel
They served broiled oysters, those were by far my favorite of all oysters we tried while there.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
is this some kind of joke
the hornets don’t have anybody worthy enough to trade for.
by lakerlover2by4 on Jul 29, 2010 12:13 PM MDT reply actions
That doesn't stop the Knicks from being in almost every trade rumor
I agree though, seeing what was proposed the NOH would offer I would not be impressed if i was a FO type. To be fair I say the same thing regarding what the Nugs could offer for a pure star talent player.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
The Knicks actually do have some good pieces
I could imagine a trade where the Knicks send galo, toney D, AR and mozgov or turiaf + picks for melo, butch, sheldon.
That would let Ty and Nene take center stage.
Imagine this lineup
Cb1/ Ty/ TD
AAA/ JR
Galo or Harrington
Nene/ AR
Mozgov/ bird
That plus 3 or so years of Knicks draft picks and nuggets draft choices would make for a pretty good team. We could make value picks, or package 2 mid round choices for one around 10 ala okc/ Aldrich this year.
Now, I don’t think melo is worth that if he doesn’t sign the extension, but given melo is a loyal guy and would (I am guessing) like to give back to the fans, I think if he wanted to go to NY and there was a deal on the table, he would sign the extension before leaving via trade. Considering what TOR and CLE got for bosh and bron I think the above deal is good for both sides.
We could also trade nene for prospects/ picks but his 8 year tenure is the longest of anybody currently with the nugs. Plus, I think nene could be a outstanding #1 or 2 guy, but I don’t think he has the ability to demand shots, so he can’t be a #3 guy.
This is all of course, if melo decides to leave pre trade deadline.
by Monkfish on Jul 30, 2010 9:34 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
sure they do...
in the sense that there are several deals of compatible money value they make. But you NEVER get full value back for a superstar in his prime. For Denver, even getting West and Okafor back would be dubious, and NO would never do it anyway.
meh.....move along. Nothing to see here
"If there's a new way....I'll be the first in line. But it better work this time...." Peace Sells....but Who's Buying
Proving that you can be gay and not like Madonna, and rock out to Metal. One step at a time.
Quitter's People United Member # 78
Separating the wheat from the chaff
In theory the Nuggets truly could bring CP3 to Denver but a number of changes need to occur:
- Stan needs to be willing to spend hard into the luxury tax for the next 4 years
- Stan needs to do a complete 180 degree turn on his dedication towards chasing a title
- Melo needs to be convinced the owner & FO is committed to winning a title rather than cutting costs
- CP3 needs to be convinced the Nugs are committed… I guarantee when CP3 looks at the Nugs owner & FO today he sees the NOH owner & FO and doesn’t want to go from one situation to a near identical one (one can’t spend, the other won’t spend)
*CP3 would need to push NOH to trade him to Denver. Despite what NOH FO’s may imply CP3 really does have the power to leverage who the trade partner is. - No posters the NOH isn’t going to hand over CP3 to the Nugs for a bunch of “stuff” that Nugs don’t want. To get value you have to spend value; it will cost the Nugs.
- The Nugs have to be wiiling to take back both Okafor & Posey.
- And no, NOH will not take back Billups; the team will be in full strip down mode they won’t want an over 34yr old player because that would help Denver.
What it would take:
The combined contracts for CP3/Okafor/Posey = $32.9m; based on the 125% +/- criteria the Nugs would need to come up with $27m.
The Nugs would need to offer in return:
KMart, Nene, Lawson = $29.4m and either two-1st round picks or one-1st round pick & AAA.
The Nugs may also need to be willing to help invest in contract buyout of KMart if NOH insists. If Nugs are willing to pay half, maybe convince NOH to take Balkman… that would be fair.
Reality Check: No NOH would not take JR, let’s remember NOH was the 1st team to run him out of town… sorry I think Nugs are stuck with him 1more year.
2010 Nugs roster:
Starters: Melo/Harrington/Okafor/Billups/CP3
Top Reserves: Posey/Williams/Bird/JR/Carter(mostly Billups as backup PG)
Would I do the deal: I’m not sure, the roster is still quite strong (possibly stronger) and Melo really would love playing with CP3. But strategy-wise I’m not sure CP3 playing style (controlling the ball) best fits Melo’s style
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
If the Nugs made the deal with the KMart buyout
the Nugs 2010 cap number would be around $90m (I don’t see Stan doint this)
If the deal is made without the KMart buyout (Nugs keep Balkman) the 2010 cap number would be around $84m, a little more than their current projected cap number.
2011 would still likely to be in the $80’s; 2012 likely still mid-upper $70’s to 80’s
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
not wise to make this move
Honestly I don’t see that team winning a championship, and you don’t want to mortgage the future for a team that still doesn’t win.
by InboundingLobPass on Aug 3, 2010 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
I'm torn on the move myself... I don't think I'd do this deal
Other than Stan not wanting to spend money I don’t regard this deal as mortgaging the future. You have a young in the prime PG and at most you’ve given up 2 additional 1st’s (though I hate doing that).
It’s more because in the NBA I’m not sure CP3 & Melo are compatible team mates on the court. CP3’s style takes away from Melo’s
Andre Miller, Billups & Deron Williams’ PG styles fit very well with Melo because those PG don’t have to “own” the ball til the last moment. This allows the rest of Melo’s game to come out.
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
"Remember the Alamo", "Remember the Maine", "Remember the Hunter Trade"
"Contenders commit to building a champion; pretenders end up getting bit right on their pick axe"
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