Well the rumors that Carmelo Anthony leaving the Denver Nuggets continue to flow and ESPN Chicago has added to it. ESPN’s step-company is reporting that the Chicago Bulls would even be willing to deal center Joakim Noah to land Melo’s services.
However, as much as Nuggets fans want Noah in a deal it isn’t very likely. Noah’s defense is just as important to the Bulls team as Carlos Boozer and even, in some ways, Derrick Rose. And lets not forget that just a few weeks ago the Bulls were offering Noah a contract extension.
Of course a talent like Anthony only comes around once in a lifetime, however, if Noah would be in the deal it would leave a void on defense. And Melo and Boozer don’t exactly bring a lot on the defensive side of the ball and lets not forget that Tom Thibodeau has made his money in the League as a defensive-minded coach. With his background, he’d be more inclined to keep Noah than lose him to acquire Anthony, even if it means losing Melo to the Knicks or New Jersey Nets.
And on the Nuggets side of the ball they are stuck in a similar situation as Anthony with Noah. An expiring contract, who may be reluctant to resign with the squad. Sure Denver could sign Noah for more and would have the rights to him next season, but that may handcuff their shot at adding another free agent.
One thing Noah would give the Nuggets, would be a more intelligent version of Marcus Camby. And Nene was at his best playing next to Camby, where he wouldn’t have to worry about being a help defender.
No doubt with Anthony on the Bulls, they could compete for the NBA title. But it would also require Noah to be a member of the squad and Denver would have to take a far more appealing offer from Chicago – one more like the one that was first reported that involved Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and James Johnson.