Carmelo Anthony: Should the Grizzlies trade for him?

Carmelo Anthony Knicks/Hawks trade speculation is running rampant after a podcast on Peachtree Hoops. Regardless of feelings toward a Anthony/Millsap swap, what about a Grizzlies trade?

Carmelo appears to be potentially available and the Grizzlies have the right combination of expiring contracts (Jeff Green, Matt Barnes), a solid guard (Courtney Lee), and a young talent (Jordan Adams).The trade works in ESPN’s trade machine. It can also be accomplished with recently signed Brandan wright also working as a sub for Matt Barnes in the trade. Although the Grizzlies would have to wait till December 15th to make the move with Wright involved, since they signed him this summer.

Carmelo Anthony could be the go-to guy the Grizzlies have been missing on the perimeter for years. The key piece when the post gets clogged up, or a bailout shot is necessary. If we look at Anthony’s last healthy season where he played 77 games in 2013-2014, there’s even a 40.2 three point shooting percentage. Now yes on the Grizzlies, in Dave Joerger’s system, Anthony will not shoot 5.4 threes a game likely. However, it means if needed Anthony can deliver.

Carmelo Anthony’s Resume

Melo can definitely score in high volume, bulk scoring with good percentages. He’s averaged 45.5 FG% for his career. This would be the player the Grizzlies have been missing since Rudy Gay left. Somebody who’s not afraid to shoot the ball, and can get hoops when it matters. The playoffs. Anthony has made the playoffs 10 times (7 with the Nuggets, 3 with the Knicks), surely in the right system/talent around him he’d be there again. Contributing to wins and taking significant pressure off Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.

The Grizzlies would still have Tony Allen/Vince Carter at guard with Courtney Lee traded. They can also pick up another guard off the wire during the course of the season. The team really should have gone and signed J.R. Smith when they had the chance. He was perfect for the Grizzlies three-point shooting needs, but what’s done is done. Perhaps it’s time to give the Memphis Grizzlies a big three of their own to content with. Two teams in the Knicks/Grizzlies moving in different directions. A star caught in a youth movement, feeling hometown attachments.

The real deterrent is Carmelo Anthony’s no-trade clause which he’d have to waive for any trade to happen. Would Anthony really be willing to leave the big-city lights of New York to a smaller market like Atlanta or Memphis? Or is he a Knicks/Lakers/Clippers/Heat/Bulls kind of guy? That’s a question only Carmelo Anthony, the person and not the basketball player, knows the answer to. A life choice.

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