I hear you. And I agree that perhaps we will see Fields basically step up and fill Chandler's shoes. Not sure it will happen this season, but he definitely shows promise. Doubt we can keep Wilson no matter what if we're getting Melo.
It's a tough call to abandon our young guys when they show such potential, just to add a roleplayer. I get what you're saying about the potential of adding an impact player with our remaining cap. Maybe a role player like Pryz would be the way to go.
My gut tells me to stick with the yoots we got for now. Once we see where they are headed, we might need to reassess our options. Right now, the lineup you described above looks pretty good, better than what we have. But later, once Gallo, AR, Fields, Moz, and Douglas mature this season, the equation will change. They will be closer to the type of players they will become. It will be clearer which we should retain for our new dream team.
Until Melo gives the nod that he would sign someplace else, I'm inclined to hold pat. He's basically saying "I Want You" to us by not agreeing to sign elsewhere. If he starts to cozy up to Chicago or Houston Or Orlando, we make our best offer and see what Denver says.
The difference of opinion between those of us who want to trade now versus those of us who want to be patient is based on the perceived level of interest Melo has to play home games in The Garden. I think that's all he wants, to shine for the next five years playing with his homey, Stat. If so, he will continue to resist overtures from other teams.
Money will be plentiful, regardless of CBA, because he will be a max-contract, mega-endorsing, muhfugging Carmelo Anthony playing alongside Amare Stoudamire in The Garden. Spike will drive the PR machine into a frenzy, with some sick advertising. We will be within a move of our objective with the cards to keep playing. We will be in a position (asset-wise) to take a shot at CP3 (or Deron) to complete the squad. But we would need trade assets to do it, so only Melo can determine if the wedding-day dream can come true. He knows this for sure, so do his reps and other peeps.
