There are reports that, after signing the 5/124M contract this summer (with a no-trade clause), Melo's ok with moving on. His agent says "nonsense," though, among other things.
Apparently has a knee issue that's getting worse. Giant ego who puts lifestyle over winning. He's everything that's wrong with the NBA. A giant trade kicker that adds on nearly $20m. Good luck with that. I can see the Nets trading for him.
I'm crazy enough to take a chance on him. For Wes + bench scrubs. I don't see him having much value out there.
Initially I woulda said either Nic or Wes, but with Melo/LA/Dame on the roster, there would be only so many shots to go around. Think Nic would be more impactful creating and passing than Wes. I dunno, man. I think he'd thrive in an environment where he wouldn't have to carry a team. He's not as bad as the media makes him out to be. Adding him to this roster would be like adding him to Team USA. Just plant him out in the midrange and get him single coverage every time? He'd be the most potent scorer in the game. Biggest concern for me is his knee, moreso than his attitude or bball fit.
Nic's better b/c of salary concerns...less having to go out with him to make the numbers work. As it is, we have to be within 5M of Melo's 22.458M salary (17.5 going out). Melo's got "old man" game, though...he doesn't need explosiveness to get his. Frankly, I'd probably think hard about something like Nic/CJ/(Leonard or Robinson)/Claver + 2015/17 picks ONLY IF LMA bought off on it and would still re-sign. Having two of LMA/Dame/Wes/Melo on the floor at all times would be pretty deadly. And in crunch time, either LMA or Melo will be in the paint against a lesser defender or Dame and Wes will be wide open. (Trade Machine can't use Melo yet, but here it is with Amar'e's salary numbers)
As much as I'd hate to loose Nic's versatility, I'd hate to lose Wes' heart even more. He is the emotional leader of this team. I'd hate to see Brian Grant for Shawn Kemp, the sequel. Whitsitt traded the emotional leader of a winning team for a past-his-prime superstar form a losing team. We all know how that worked out. BNM
Not entirely, unless Melo's knee really is shot. Although the difference may not be as big as you think. When we got Kemp, he was only 1 season removed from his highest scoring season, highest PER season (although he did only play 42 games that year), and he was the same age as Melo is now. I'm not saying Melo will be 2000 Kemp bad in one more year, but he's 30 and just signed a HUGE contract extension. He's got 4 more years and over $100 million in salary left on his contract AFTER this season. That also makes him similar to 2000 Kemp. BNM
If Kome can play that well at his age, Melo is still going to be an elite player by the time his contract runs out. That's my take. I'm not sure the Blazers need him or that he'd add that much. The starting lineup is pretty awesome as it is. The defense has become considerably better. The bench is better, too. If anything, an opportunity to pick up more bench help would be where I'd focus my efforts.
Melo regretted not signing with Chicago. Chicago lucked out IMO. I used to respect Melo's game in Denver. Now there is no way in hell would I use 25 million of our cap on him. I can not see he and Dame meshing well.
Melo is tempting and if it was just Batum vs Melo then its an obvious offensive upgrade, and defensive downgrade. I dont really think we need his offense either, so I think its a net loss. Then you factor in his contract, what we would have to give up to get him, potential chemistry issues, and that he is a prima dona and its a bad move. IF I thought he could fall in line behind LA and Dame's leadership I would consider it because thats a serious three headed monster, but I just dont see that happening.
High Risk, High Reward. I'd pull the trigger on any deal that didnt involve the big 4 (LA,Dame,Wes,Rolo)
In this league you are a good->great team with 2 all stars. You are a great->championship team with 3. Melo >>>> Batum. Batum's D is grossly overrated.
Last summer i was all for bringing him in, but after hearing about him being a cancer and threaten to beat his teammate up, idk anymore.
How about a 3 way with Boston, us and New York? Give Boston T.Rob, Claver and Freeland. Give New York Batum and Leonard. We get Green and Olynyk. Boston Trades Olynyk, Green and Bass (New York). Boston gets Melo, T.Rob, Claver and Freeland. New York trades Melo (Boston). New York gets Batum, Leonard, and Bass
amazing how Knicks give him this huge contract after they gave one to Amare with the knee history he had - don't these GM's have a fukkin clue? Clearly seems like stars getting close to 30 with a lot of NBA time on their bods are simply not good players to give big 4-5 yr 100 mil plus contracts to
That knee scares the crap out of me. We dont need a player who is going to need major surgery on his knee.
