Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Into the Bears’ Den: Could the Memphis Grizzlies trade for Carmelo Anthony?

By Parker Fleming

Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
January 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9, left) celebrates with forward Zach Randolph (50, right) during overtime against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 128-119. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9, left) celebrates with forward Zach Randolph (50, right) during overtime against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 128-119. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA):

Well, to start, let’s take a look at CBS Sports’ Matt Moore’s possible trade:

If this is the trade, I’d absolutely be down. Carmelo would probably start as a stretch-4, even though it’s out of his natural position. JaMychal would move to the bench, and James Ennis and Troy Daniels could receive more playing time. However, this doesn’t work for both sides.

For one, the Knicks would want a young prospect (Wade Baldwin or Deyonta Davis) and a pick. There are no possible assets enticing enough for the Knicks to pull a deal with the Grizzlies, unless they firmly believe Baldwin is indeed “Lil’ Westbrook” or the pick could bring a future star.

For the Grizzlies, it just isn’t smart.

First off, I don’t see Melo wanting to play in a small market like Memphis. Secondly, they will risk their future. Yes, this trade allows them to keep Wade Baldwin, Deyonta Davis, Jarell Martin and Troy Williams, but they’ll have $307,586,156* dedicated to a core of Conley, Parsons, Gasol and Melo. Not only is that a lot of money, but they wouldn’t be able to do much in free agency with so little cap space, even with a rising salary cap.

Finally, I don’t see Carmelo Anthony really getting the Grizzlies over the hump for their first title. If a team of Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin and Nene can’t win a title, then it’s hard seeing a Melo-led Grizzlies team beating the Warriors and Cavs in the playoffs.

*Contracts found on spotrac.com.

Home/Grizzlies News