Possible Kyrie Irving landing spots

Hi!

This has been a long time coming. Last post was 2014? Wow that long!

You might have heard of the ongoing debacle regarding Kyrie Irving's trade demand from the Cavaliers. It seems the LeBron James rumors are true and nobody wants to get stuck on Cleveland nowadays. Carmelo reportedly doesn't want the Cavs as well as per report.

I tried my hand being a GM for a while with the ESPN Trade Machine and being a Bulls fan I loved this scenario.

In this scenario, Bulls get Irving while staying true for their rebuild effort. Bulls get a cornerstone to go along with budding star Zach LaVine in a faster pace that Hoiberg would love to play. It'll be a quick rebuild if this happens as Kyrie has some interest in the Bulls before the usual suspects GarPax fumbled it. It also establishes Kyrie as the focal point of the team like he wished.

Cleveland gets Banana Boat Avenger Wade in return and gets a PG in return.

For all their troubles Phoenix adds veterans that has been part of their recent success. While strengthening their defense while continuing to develop their young core. I think its a win-win for all teams.

As for the teams Kyrie asked to be traded to.

New York Knicks

This is rather a straight up trade. Carmelo for Kyrie but because of salary discrepancy Cavs need to include Shumpert in this scenario.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kyrie gets his wish to play along Jimmy, and gets coached by a national assistant coach in Thibs. But for this to work, and with the recent additions the Timberwolves made they have to give up talent as well but in this scenario it worth the trouble having another all-star to add to your roster. Cleveland get Andrew Wiggins the first pick they gave away to accommodate James comeback. And they get Gorgui Dieng another project but with high ceiling.

San Antonio Spurs

This is as straight up as it can be. LaMarcus Aldridge ends his Spurs stint unceremoniously. But they get a PG that can replace Tony Parker long term. At age 25 it suits well playing with Kawhi and that makes the Spurs competitive for another decade. Cavs get talent, but LaMarcus has been underwhelming as a Spur. Ditching Kyrie does not improve the Cavs proposition as well to compete with the highly talented Warriors.

As you can see the only trade scenario where the Cavs does improve is when he is traded to the Bulls. Kyrie is a Black Mamba in the making he just need to work on his defense more. But he still has room to improve and could be a catch for any team that could have him.

So what do you think of this piece? Do you agree or disagree? Hit the comments below and let me know what you think.

NBA team previews Central Division

The NBA season is nearing and for me I get to try my crummy analysis on how teams will eventually pan out with their new addition against their losses in the off-season and I'd like to start out with the division closest to my heart since it has my favorite team the Chicago Bulls, the Central Division.

The Chicago Bulls

2012-13 Record: 45-37
Key Additions: Mike Dunleav, Tony Snell, Erik Murphy
Key Losses: Marco Belinelli, Richard Hamilton and Nate Robinson

Bulls didn't exactly do a lot in the off-season, after getting Mike Dunleavy and adding a couple of rookies in the draft the Bulls have become dormant.

Except for the drama on the downfall of contract negotiations with soon to be free agent Luol Deng there wasn't any news about Chicago. Or is there? Wait Derrick Rose is back! And because he is the Bulls jump back into championship contention. With the core of Noah, Boozer, Deng, Butler, Hinrich and Rose the Bulls are set to contend.

The Bulls lost good players in the off-season but they got back their MVP who has shown in the pre-season he still got it. My concern for Rose though is he seem too eager to slug it out when it's only the preseason where games don't really matter. Whoah, settle down boy it's a long season and you'll get your chance.

The Cleveland Cavaliers

2012-13 Record: 24-58
Key Additions: Anthony Bennett, Andrew Bynum, Earl Clark, Jarrett Jack and Sergey Karasev
Key Losses: Marreese Speights

With Kyrie emerging as one of the best PG's in the league the Cavs are knocking on the door for a return to the play-offs since LeBron James left Ohio.

Dan Gilbert did a lot of spending in the off-season building around it's talented young point guard, and with a stroke of luck managed to get another #1 overall pick and used it for... Anthony Bennett? While the guy has his qualifications as number 1 many questions were raised after he was taken. He's still recuperating from a previous injury sustained in college and is having a slow transition in the pro's. While he may take time to recuperate one intriguing addition is Andrew Bynum.

Bynum before the injury filled year in Philadelphia was regarded the most polished offensive center in the league. Because of his body and great footwork Bynum was an All-Star before he got traded to the 76ers in an uneventful year where the public saw him sit out the whole season. A healthy Andrew Bynum elevates these Cavs to serious play-off contention, make no mistake about it. While Kyrie Irving is the star of this Cavs, Bynum could be make or brake for them, he's just a big part of the puzzle for the Cavs right now.

PS. They got Mike Brown back as their coach.

The Detroit Pistons

2012-13 Record: 29-53
Key Additions: Chauncey Billups, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith
Key Losses: Jose Calderon and Brandon Knight

The Pistons brought back a piece of nostalgia when they got Chauncey back at the helm, as for the other additions? Well let's say I just can't figure out what Joe Dumars wants to do with his team.

Pistons are a young team and yes they want to be fast, but giving the ball to Jennings to do the job? Doesn't cut it. Brandon is a shot jocker in the very sense of the word, he is looking for his shot and although Dumars might be hoping Chauncey might share some valuable knowledge for Brandon I think what's natural would still come out. And that's not  even talking about Josh Smith who'd rather chuck his shots from the outside than use his amazing athleticism to squeeze into the hoop for easy hoops.

Drummond and Greg Monroe still needs polishing but if they figure each other out and things pan out well for the Pistons this is a dangerous team no doubt about it.

PS. Mo Cheeks is now running the show in Detroit

 The Indiana Pacers

2012-13 Record: 49-32
Key Additions: Chris Copeland, Solomon Hill, Luis Scola and C.J. Watson
Key Losses: Tyler Hansbrough and D.J. Augustin

Fresh from being a win away from getting bcak into the NBA Finals, the Pacers barge into the season full of hope and expectations.

Larry Bird returned as President of basketball operations and his first order of business is finalize an agreement with Paul George as the new face of the franchise handing him with a multi-year contract extension and almost handing him the key to the Pacers franchise.

Indiana revamped it's roster in the off-season. If the question for Indiana is continuation as soon as they get to the bench, the Pacers management responded by seeking trusted veterans throughout the league who can sustain their momentum as games progressed. The casualties include my personal favorite Tyler Hansbrough who was shifted to Toronto, a move that devastated him personally, The Pacers got better though on paper.

Indiana needs to work on its chemistry now because it's evident in the off-season that they were on and off and weren't that aware of each other in the early goings. Especially against Chicago where Derrick Rose blitzed them out in a lot of play, rusty and all.

The Milwaukee Bucks

Key Additions: Caron Butler, Carlos Delfino, Brandon Knight, O.J. Mayo, Zaza Pachulia and Luke Ridnour, Gary Neal
Key Losses: Samuel Dalembert, Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings and J.J. Redick

I have actually read a lot of blogs questioning what the Bucks were doing with their roster. Me personally, liked who they were bringing against who they lost? Bucks got more talented, got better and more consistent that what they had last year.

Ridnour is a consistent PG and could mesh well with Mayo or anybody in the backcourt because he's unselfish, and if I am not mistaken this is his second tour of duty in Milwaukee and that could bolster support from thei home crown since Luke was a fan favorite when they marched in the play-offs in 2010.

Plus they got even more scorers than last year limited to the shot jocking of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings team. They got Mayo now and Caron Butler and the sweet shooting Gary Neal fresh from the NBA finals this year. Bucks got better I don't know what the other bloggers are looking at.

PS. Former Atlanta coach Larry Drew packed his bags and relocated to Wisconsin state, home of the Bucks.

That's all for now, still have 5 more divisions to review, 'til then keep on reading guys.

Some remaining Free Agents the Bulls can target

We all know now what happened to the Dwight lottery. He's coming to Houston (somehow it has been preempted these past days that he would). And that makes Houston an automatic championship caliber team. And pieces continue to fall for Howard and company, just today I learned they caught Omri Casspi and locked him for 2 years.

Dwight has an opt out option in 2016, and with the way Houston continues to build it's team around Dwight that's a scary 3 years.

As for my Chicago Bulls, new has been barren, I read somewhere that they are targeting Mo Williams but other than that news is still scarce.

Here are possible free agent signings that I think can fit the Bulls and boost them further into contention vs. the best of the East.

1. Andrei Kirilenko

The prospect of adding Andrei boost the chance for the Bulls. Andrei can play all 5 positions on the court and is great defensively further solidifying the Bulls main strength. His addition can mean having the luxury of moving Jimmy Butler to SG and having an insurance if any player fall to injury. I think of all the remaining free agents Andrei makes the most sense for the Bulls because he has all the qualities of a Bull. He might not come cheap though but he's a very nice compliment.



2. Mickael Pietrus

Knowing the Bulls are too afraid going atop the salary cap, Mickael is a very good addition the guy is a very good competitor, nice defense and spaces the floor for the Bulls, not to mention Mickael was only receiving, last season, a salary under 1 million dollars. If Forman has his wits in him I'd tab this guy out.



3. Antawn Jamison

Are you kidding me, this guys is a must have for any team that wants to go deep into contention only a bad coach will not value this guy (Mike D'Antoni it's you). He's a very good stretch 4 and plays some SF as well although his defense is a little suspect the Bulls can help him fill the gap (I need to remind you the Bulls still have Boozer). If there's a guy I hope the Bulls nab it's this guy, and he also can accept a cheap contract after accepting less than a million in LA.


4. Byron Mullens

Guy is a rarity among center, I mean a center who can space the floor for you, yeah he seldom plays defense but he grabs rebounds. I think if there is something Mike Dunlap did good for Charlotte is showing some potential for this guy. With the Bulls locking Nazr to another 1 year contract, I think offering Mullens to a center cheap contact of 3 million don't hurt. Imagine the space he'll create for Boozer and Rose down there. I think this guy should receive some consideration.

5. Tyler Hansbrough
I don't care what you say about this guy but I like his activity, he's a hard worker and if you love all the quality that is Joakim Noah you have to appreciate this guy, I think he's one of the guys Tom Thibodeau will love having on his bench.


I know there are far more big names remaining but I think the five I selected best fits the Bulls identity, I believe Coach Thibs wouln't mind if one or all these guys become available on his bench for next season.

Comments are all very welcome.

What the "F" are the Bulls doing?

I'm a Bulls fan.

Always have been since 1991 even through the dark days of the post championship era. It's really frustrating that the Bulls is taking too long to decide on deals that could make the team instant contenders after they swing a trade.

And the deals that matter were so little (although the Eddy Curry deal was the best to date in the Paxson-Forman era), Bulls got Tyson Chandler, Tyrus Thomas (for LaMarcus Aldridge a head scratcher), deal with Ben Wallace. The Bulls also let the Kobe Bryant trade rumor linger on in 2007-08 that it affected the players mentally thus missing the play-offs again at that time. It's frustrating generally. No bold moves. It's always piece by piece, little by little.

I really can't blame Coach Tom for fielding Rose,Noah and company a bit longer, with so little talent to choose from who can blame the man? I mean Miami have constructed their team that any number they call can produce for their team. A lot of these teams have that luxury, why not the Bulls? My Bulls?

Just this draft for instance Brooklyn let go of the trigger and got themselves a win now championship caliber team, No it's not a big 3 anymore, it's a big 5. While I still believe the Bulls are still competitive I wonder how long, the talent everywhere is growing while the Bulls have stayed foot.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce instantly brings championship pedigree to the upstart Brooklyn Nets their presence solidifies the Nets line-up even more, gone is Gerald Wallace on and off plays replaced by a steady Paul Pierce not to mention a huge upgrade with Garnett for Evans and Humphries. Bulls now find themselves battling these teams: Heat, Pacers, Nets and Knicks for East supremacy.

It's frustrating really knowing the Bulls have been dormant while these teams are adding talent by the day. Worst, we Bulls fans might someday wake up to see the team once more struggle just to make it to the second round.

Bulls had a huge opportunity before, some 2 years ago before Derrick injured his ACL and if the Bulls don't do anything even with the brilliance of their coach and their players the window might be closing and it's getting fast.

Wake Up Bulls!

Don't rub it in

In what could be a preview of the next Eastern Conference finals, the Bulls fell short. Derrick Rose fell short. Inexplicably shooting well from the Freethrow line the reigning MVP choked on 2 shots that could have gotten Chicago the lead and put some pressure on the Heat to counter. Instead the ball bounced out of the rim two times.

Funnier still LeBron did the same trick on the next incident. Trying to finish off the Bulls James stepped off the 15 ft. line and bricked.

“I couldn’t believe he missed both,” Wade said of Rose. “I couldn’t believe LeBron missed both, either. Averaged itself out, I guess.”

After LeBron's 2nd miss there was a scramble. Confusion rushed in when an inadvertent whistle was heard. Officials of the game ruled it jump ball. James—who talked Bosh out of taking the tap himself—outleaped Taj Gibson, gave the ball up to Mario Chalmers, who was fouled and eventually got a free throw in for a two-point lead. Bulls finally had possession.

9.9 seconds left, an eternity in basketball, Bulls had a great idea of putting the ball in Rose's hand, Derrick cut the defense and a crucial moment decided to shoot the ball against 2 defenders and it bricked. The shot was a floater that Rose has been making throughout the game. It was a bad break.

“This is so surreal right now knowing that I had a chance to win the game,” an emotional Rose said at his locker afterward. “And this time it didn’t work out.”

The Bulls trailed the whole game, Rose played significant big minutes in the absence of his chief reliever CJ Watson. Luol didn't play also nursing his own wrist injury.

Bulls lost, tough game with bad breaks (for the Bulls side), but this soon to be rivalry will carry on for years and it will be fun watching. So Heat fans, don't rub it in you maybe be better today but the Bulls will definitely comeback.

Sources (quotes): Yahoo! sports
Picture: Available in web. No copyright infringement intended.

The Flourishing of the Rose

Derrick Rose is my MVP.

And it's not only because I'm a Bulls fan, it's because he proves it every time he plays. Three years ago with the draft at hand I wasn't especially keen on Rose for Chicago. At that time, Kirk was still the prime point guard for me because not only can he handle the ball well he defends well.

In my mind Chicago needs a good post threat to become an elite team. With the choice zeroing on two players I believed the hype that surrounded Michael Beasley (Ok, so I'm not an expert after all), a post scorer and a good mid-range shooter. For me he was Chicago's salvation. The scorer that Chicago covet since Elton Brand was (stupidly) traded for Tyson Chandler.

So to my utter disappointment (at the time) when David Stern announced Rose as the number 1 pick of the 2008 Draft. I thought the team wasted their chance on having a solid player, and to support me Rose wasn't the most solid PG on his rookie year. He was explosive yet his shooting wasn't there heck it's almost like Rondo's He wasn't the Deron Williams or Chris Paul type of PG I imagined for my favorite team to have. One thing I admired though is how he persevered and relentlessly attacked the basket. opening doors for the other Bull's to score. A will power comparable to Michael Jordan.

Rose made a believer out of me in their play-off series against Boston. Rose debuted in the play-offs with 36 points (tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA record for points scored by a rookie in his playoff debut set 1970), 11 assists, and 4 rebounds as the Bulls prevailed in a 105–103 overtime win on the road. It was noticeable during that series how limited the Bulls were against the big names of the Celtics, The Allens and the Pierces, even through that Chicago stayed in their series and had the Celtics gasping in 7 games (Don't give the Garnett was injured BS because Deng was also injured and was higher value for the Bulls than the Celtics who would give the Magic a run for their money in the next series even without Garnett). Rose averaged 19.7 points on 47.5% shooting, 6.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game in the, although the Bulls were defeated by the Celtics in 7 games. Amazing in the sense that a rookie was able to carry that much burden especially at age 20. Wow!

After his Rookie of the Year season, Rose would improve in his stats in his 2nd year. He'd get 20.8 PPG on 48.9% shooting, 3.8 RPG, 6.0 APG although the clamor for improvement in defense and shooting was still there, it was clearer now that Rose was the team's best player, he'd also be the first Chicago all-star since Michael Jordan in 1998. In the playoffs Rose averaged 26.8 points and 7.2 assists, but the Bulls still lost in five games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.


This year he even took his game to new heights improving his defense and mid and long range shooting. To note Chicago only played full strength for only 9 games, and by that I meant the whole team playing because obviously Boozer was still recovering after missing the first 15 games and by that time Noah has already sustained his own injury that have sidelined him for 28 games now (and counting). Rose rises to the occasion by bringing a different approach to his game; Being the main threat and still distribute. It is amazing to note that despite getting 24.7 points, Derrick dishes out 8.1 dimes a night, the amount of energy you have to exert just to get those numbers to limited outlets (since either Boozer or Noah is out).

The candidates for MVP can be narrowed down to Rose and James. Kobe's Lakers are packed yet they're underachieving. Stoudamire has slowed on his candidacy due to the Knicks on and off record. Wade is playing second fiddle to James. Durant gets plenty of help from fellow all-star Russell Westbrook.

Rose may not get the same numbers as LeBron but he is MVP because he carries more baggage. And to note for comparison Miami has yet to defeat the Celtics and the Mavs, 2 teams Chicago have dispelled to many's disbelief. In in no small part thanks to Rose's play.


This past 2 games against the best point guards the league can offer Rose critics were high in praise for Rose for shutting both Chris Paul and Deron Williams to a minimum. Combined the 2 premiere PGs averaged 13 points, 9 assists, 3 rebs, 0.5 stl to Rose's 26 points, 6.5 assists, 3.5 rebs, and 1 stl. Staggering numbers to say the least against the best. And at 22, he can only get better.


Scary.

The Long and Winding Road ends for Jerry Sloan

It was June 1997. Utah was out to challenge Chicago for NBA supremacy, The Jazz team were newbies up against the veteran championship fixture. Michael was the predator, and in these games he relishes the moment to proclaim his greatness anew.

It's no wonder that with the game on the line Utah's best player choked; With Scottie Pippen psyching Malone out, telling him "Just remember, the mailman doesn't deliver on Sundays, Karl," while Malone was at the free throw line. He missed both free throws and the Bulls rebounded and quickly called a time-out. With the game on the line, Chicago put the ball into the hands of Michael Jordan. M.J. dribbled out most of the waning seconds and then launched a 20 footer that swished in at the buzzer, as the Chicago Bulls took the first game of the 1997 NBA Finals. And it happened 3 more times during the course of the six-game series, one of them was the infamous "flu" game in Game 5. Utah lost.

Failure.

And it was that first finals game that served as omen that will prevail until the next year when Utah would again meet Chicago in the Finals. Utah this time had the homecourt advantage. They won game 1 lost the 2nd, will lose badly in game 3 (by a total of 42 points), lost another in game 4 then steal game 5, Back in Utah with the game on the line Jordan again rose to the occasion and shoot a lasting shot; the Chicago farewell; the Utah dagger. It'll be both teams last finals apperance (so far) one of the best in finals history even the most controversial (as fans still dispute whether Jordan should have been called of a pushing foul or is it a let go play? It was clear to everyone though that Utah lost again to Chicago.

History might have been joking all this while between this 2 clubs because in the middle of the basketball coliseum was Jerry Sloan, the "Original Bull", Chicago's first player selection in the 1966 expansion draft. As a player Sloan was known for his tenacity on defense, and led the expansion team to the playoffs in its first season.

He also became a 2-time All-star, was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team four times and the All-Defensive Second team twice. He also led the Bulls to the playoffs on various occasions and helped them to win one division title, the only one the franchise has earned outside the Michael Jordan era. Sloan averaged 9.1 rebounds per game in his second season, and his career rebounding average of 7.4 rebounds per game is unusually high for a guard. With an average of 2.15 steals per game (tabulated over his last three seasons), Sloan is ranked tenth in the NBA's all-time leaders category for steals per game, just behind John Stockton (2.17 SPG). His playing career was was cut short though by nagging knee injuries that kept him in the sideline.

Jerry's coaching career will also start in Chicago, succeeding Scotty Robertson at the helm. His initial coaching attempt in Chicago wasn't so successful as planned though compiling a record of 94-121 and was out of the Bulls sideline by the 3rd season (which he didn't finish).

As it turns out Jerry's success as coach wasn't meant for Chicago but for another club, the Utah Jazz where he would compile 1130 wins against 682 losses. Jerry went to the Hall of Fame as the only coach to compile 1000 wins in the NBA under the same club. Sloan was a passionate, defense-oriented, blue collar coach. There isn't a coach in all of sports who rips his team to shreds the way Sloan does when he feels his team hasn't competed. The Sloan method means anything less than full effort is unacceptable. It means no excuse is satisfactory. One memorable quote of Sloan's coaching can be summarized with this: " "Size doesn't make any difference; heart is what makes a difference," Sloan began "These guys over there want to make the playoffs more than we do."


He is a teacher that wanted results, results that comes from hard work. Let it be reminded everyone that coach Sloan's coaching structure was the same structure that captivated Gregg Popovich's own coaching regimen. It's amazing to note that even without Karl and John to lead his team Jerry Sloan would coach his team to a 42-40 record, barely missing play-offs and the coach of the year award (which he never won) behind Hubie Brown of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Sloan's abrupt departure also seemed to be in defiance to the new breed of players' consistent whining and disregard for authority in the locker room. It was reported that he and point guard Deron Williams had a huge verbal fight prior to the coach's resignation. Some even said the 2 almost came to blows during the huddle. We may never know the truth to that because coach Sloan downplayed the reports: "I've had confrontations with players since I've been in the league," Sloan said. "There's only so much energy left and my energy has dropped." KSL-TV later asked Sloan whether reported conflicts with guard Deron Williams forced him to leave. "I forced myself out," Sloan responded.

I can understand kids who would dismiss the resignation as one of the other hundred resignations filed by other coaches. But for me it was as significant as when Magic announced his retirement, when Michael Jordan shocked the world during his first retirement. Here is a legend going out abruptly and will be dearly missed by true long-time fans of basketball.

So to note, Jerry Sloan stepped down after losing against the Chicago Bulls. Life can be cruelly funny sometimes.

References :
http://www.basketball-reference.com/
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=Sloan-081209
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-sloanretiring021011
photo's found in the web no copyright infringement intended.

Fragile Boozer resurfaces again

Bulls fans everywhere are delirious. Carlos Boozer, team's top acquisition, out for at least 8 weeks. Fractures hand. Headline. Utah must have been laughing their ass off right now saying "It's your problem now". At least for one Carlos didn't disappoint. He has a long storied history of injuries that he have already missed a total of 145 games in 8 seasons. Almost two seasons worth of free money. I already foresaw this. But being a Bulls fan, I am an optimist.

Carlos is strong rebounding off injuries, it didn't seem to slow him last year after missing most of 2008-09 season (where he played only 37 games). Again as I said I'm optimistic. Looking through a perspective that it's better that he's better off injured now than the all important mid-season games makes me smile. The Bulls took a big risk taking him into the pay-roll knowing his fragile nature, but it is a calculated risk, they know it was coming.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said it best: "It's part of the NBA. Those things happen. I think we've got more than enough to win with. We're disappointed, obviously, to lose Carlos, who put a lot of work in, and he was playing great, but that's part of the NBA.We move on and we just move forward. We've got plenty of guys who have started and have played in a lot of big games". It's good that the team didn't trade Taj Gibson yet... they must be thanking the heavens by now that the Carmelo trade didn't push through. Thank God it happened now, where adjustments can be made quickly.

Knowing how Carlos have made progress in the past it's no question he'll be back strong. Inserting him back into the rotation is another thing though... I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Bulls sake, for my pride's sake.


Citation: ESPN for the interview. Photo used: from web.

Best advice to Carmelo: Stay put

It has been reported that Carmelo have shown up in their team's media day. After the circus he generated coming to this training camp, Carmelo did the wisest thing, play basketball and be mum. With trade talks taking a slight pause, he could use the silence to ponder what he wants.

Turning down the extension offer from Denver swirled numerous rumors about Anthony's unhappiness with the way things are going for his squad. It's really frustrating when you have been that close (2 more games win could have catapulted Denver to the 2009 Finals), and not being able to duplicate it the very next season when you are expected to do better things. But in the NBA it's not an isolated case. Dallas is one big example (2006 finalist, NBA top seed in 2007 only to be upset by no.8 Golden State). Yet it's also true that with the way the Lakers have put up their team they'd be in contention way beyond after Kobe Bryant retires from the game. And that is the reason why in my opinion throngs of former Western Conference superstars have bolted out of the conference and found the East enticing.

Which brings us to the present situation, Melo seemingly wanting to go Eastside, with the alibi of wanting to play close to the Manhattan area. Anthony is a Brooklyn native. Wanting the big stage that his friend LeBron James shied away, seems a valid reason for moving. Great scenario. But that's until he swings another great city into the mud... Chicago. The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are known superstar makers not named LA. Those who have played in the MSG were showered with big love from New Yorkers, even if their teams were not so great (remember the Marbury era?), and what about Chicago? The city ranked as one of the highest in gate attendance even in their troubled years in 1999-2005. And from Chicago rose the universally recognized best player ever (Now what's his name? I guess you know). Both teams have the tradition of winning and creating stars. So why is he not traded there yet?

For the Knicks, their lack of tradeable pieces hurt them even draft picks are a scarcity for the club for Chicago, them not wanting to include Noah in the mix (good for them). This resulted for a search for a new trade partner. Enter New Jersey, Utah and Charlotte. New Jersey and Denver are the principal teams in the proposed trade with Utah and Charlotte as secondary trade partners. Denver gets draft picks, Andrei Kirilenko, and Derrick Favors, Charlotte gets Devin Harris and Jarvis Hayes, Utah getting Boris Diaw and Quinton Ross and New Jersey getting Carmelo and DJ Agustin.

What halted the negotiation? Carmelo. New Jersey felt (and rightfully so) that unless they get a commitment from Anthony long-term then the negotiation is a waste. True. But if I was Carmelo why would I like to be there? Because of Brook Lopez? Lopez have yet to prove he can play high level basketball with a winning NBA club. If New Jersey trades Devin Harris, Melo would be stuck with secondary level players like Farmar, Hassell, Morrow and the likes. With the East continuing to upgrade I don't think New Jersy could compete right away and might need for Chris Paul. But there is no guarantee also that Paul might wind up there, even if they relocate to Brooklyn. It's wise that Carmelo thinks the only way to win is to partner right away with another all-star something the Knicks and Bulls can offer right away.

So if I was Carmelo I'd stay put for now, wait 'til the contract is over then move on. I don't think any other team can trade for him mid-season if he doesn't commit long-term anyways. It would be disastrous.