I can see them not trading Melo because they genuinely believe they have a shot to convince him to stay but unlike Lebron, Melo is being pretty clear he is out of there.

MSG3 wrote:Disagree. Denver is going to do what's best for Denver. If that means keeping Melo to try and make a run or trading him to the Knicks remains to be seen. Don't count out Dallas as a dark horse here.

Papabear Says

It seems like you are agreeing with me.

Papabear wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:If the Knicks are offering only what was reported, then Denver is better off just making no deal and trying to extend Carmelo after the trade deadline passes and Carmelo has to worry about how much money he might be losing by waiting to become an FA over the summer.

Papabear Says

That will only make him bitter at Denver. He will never sign a deal with them. He will walk and give them nothing. He will make that money back if he signs with New York.

Players put grudges aside for money all the time. Tons of stars (Kobe, Iverson, Melo, Pierce) have been very unhappy on their teams and pushed for trades only to later play great.

Papabear wrote:

MSG3 wrote:Disagree. Denver is going to do what's best for Denver. If that means keeping Melo to try and make a run or trading him to the Knicks remains to be seen. Don't count out Dallas as a dark horse here.

Papabear Says

It seems like you are agreeing with me.

I disagree unless I misunderstand your opinion. You seem to be saying Denver will not deal wig NY out of spite. I think Denver will do what they think is best for the franchise. If NY offers the best deal, Denver will do it. If Denver feels they can get to the finals this year they will keep Melo.

babyKnicks wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Papabear wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:If the Knicks are offering only what was reported, then Denver is better off just making no deal and trying to extend Carmelo after the trade deadline passes and Carmelo has to worry about how much money he might be losing by waiting to become an FA over the summer.

Papabear Says

That will only make him bitter at Denver. He will never sign a deal with them. He will walk and give them nothing. He will make that money back if he signs with New York.

Players put grudges aside for money all the time. Tons of stars (Kobe, Iverson, Melo, Pierce) have been very unhappy on their teams and pushed for trades only to later play great.

Sorry, confused by melo in your list...are you counting this year?

This is not even close to the 1st year he's been unhappy in Denver

I feel like there have been several articles that this is personal for Stan Kroenke, who is still very much in charge of the Nuggets, despite reports.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Denver screw the Knicks here. They don't want to build a perennial contender in NY.

joec32033 wrote:This is a perfect storm of spite, inexperienced and immature management, and a total lack of decisiveness.

If Denver doesn't want to deal with us, fine. Have the cajones to come out and let it be known. Guarantee it ups the offers of every other team trying to get him knowing NY isn't gonna happen and they are not being used as bargaining tools.

The lack of a decisive direction they want to take post Melo is another problem. Obviously they want to rebuild but they have no plan on how, be it FA signings, draft, or obtaining their new guy in this trade. One way has to rank 1st.

The way this management team has handled this is beyond unprofessional. Leaks, numerous negotiating ploys through the media, and this stringing along of the NBA is a horrendous example and a horrible face to show other NBA players and management teams alike. Denver would have been much, much better served coming right out and saying Carmelo will not be moved until the deadline if at all. OR biting the bullet and choosing a direction much sooner. It is a catch 22. You can't trade guys like Chauncey because you want Melo to sign and you start trading off those guys before Melo it hurts your leverage with other teams knowing your direction.

On the flip side you trade Melo sooner you can gain anywhere from 3/4 to 1/2 a season leg up on your rebuilding. You actually have options.

If I was Denver this wouldn't have went past Christmas. If Melo wouldn't extend with NJ take an abbreviated offer of Harris(the guy is made of uncooked spaghetti noodles he is so fragile they would be doing them a favor), Favors, and a first. Flip Harris to a team like Portland(younger then Miller), Toronto, Dallas(maybe with them you can include Harrington) for some expiring and a pick or two. Now you got a base, a direction and some flexibility.

Good post. I agree with literally everything here