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Denver Nuggets: Could Carmelo Anthony return to Denver?

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER - FEBRUARY 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets enters the court against the Utah Jazz on February 4, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER - FEBRUARY 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets enters the court against the Utah Jazz on February 4, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 1: Carmelo Anthony
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 1: Carmelo Anthony /

How Would He Get To Denver?

If the Thunder decide to move on from Anthony, there would be multiple ways to do it. They could outright cut him, but be forced to pay all of his salary. They could also try to trade him, and see if they could get any value in return for him. It remains to be seen what teams would give up to get Anthony, but he wouldn’t net the Thunder nearly as much as he did for the Nuggets, or even the Knicks.

If the Nuggets and Thunder were to swing a deal for Anthony, it would probably look something like this:

This is good value for the Thunder, as they get back Wilson Chandler, Malik Beasley, and a second round pick. This is assuming Chandler accepts his $12 million player option for next season. Chandler is a serviceable veteran who would be a decent starter on the Thunder. Beasley would be a valuable bench presence for the Thunder, as he has a lot of potential that has yet to be shown. Beasley doesn’t have a spot in the Nuggets rotation at the moment, so letting him go wouldn’t be devastating. The second round pick is an asset, but would be used smartly if it was used to acquire Anthony.

Any team that would potentially acquire Anthony would almost certainly refuse to pay his entire salary for next season. $28 million dollars is a steep price to pay for a player who’s best years are most likely behind him. Thus, Thunder GM Sam Presti would be forced to pay some of Anthony’s salary to get him off the team. If the Thunder pay for half of Anthony’s salary, that would leave $14 million for the Nuggets to pay, which is about what Chandler and Beasley’s salaries are combined.

Of course, the Thunder could choose to just cut Anthony, and take the addition by subtraction approach. Anthony’s play is declining, and while still a good player, the Thunder might want to give other guys a shot.

If Anthony is let go by the Thunder, Anthony would have his choice of where to play next. Some teams might not be interested, but others would jump at a chance to have a player like Anthony. So would Carmelo consider a reunion? Would the Nuggets? It comes down to a few key factors.

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