LeBron, Melo, Wade and Paul dream of super configuration
Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade will be home, yet again, watching LeBron James make another run at the NBA Finals. While LeBron continues to dominate the present, the rest of the Banana Boat crew contemplates their respective futures and whether joining forces is a viable option. In the past, the four friends have discussed becoming teammates and they refuse to give up that dream despite the reality of the sal- ary cap. The alternative is plausible: either Anthony or Wade possibly heading to Los Angeles to play with Paul and the other joins LeBron in Cleveland.
Each scenario is complicated but it’s possible this summer with both Paul and Wade having the option to become free agents. Carmelo is under contract for two more years and dealing him is difficult because he has a no-trade clause. The feeling is that Anthony may be willing to waive his no-trade to go play with Paul or LeBron.
Paul is expected to re-sign with the Clippers because he can earn upward of $200 million over five years by remaining in Los Angeles. You just don’t turn down that type of money.
Plus, Paul is still a top-level point guard despite never having appeared in a conference final. In fact, Paul has played in 76 career postseason games, the most of any player without making a conference finals appearance. Even Carmelo, who has missed the playoffs for four straight years, has appeared in a conference final.
Wade’s playoff history is far more impressive: five NBA Finals appearances and three championships. However, Wade’s play this season dipped dramatically. That’s why it’s hard to imagine Wade opting out of a contract that will pay him $23.8 million next season.
One scenario is Wade opting in with the idea of the Bulls trading him, perhaps to either the Clippers or Cavs. Wade was linked to a potential deal with the Clippers last season and there was some talk about him reuniting with LeBron. Cleveland upgraded their backcourt depth by trading for Kyle Kover and signing Deron Williams after the veteran point guard was released by Dallas.
Assuming the Clippers re-sign Paul and Blake Griffin, the one significant roster change could be JJ Redick leaving as a free agent. Although there are fewer sign-andtrades made in today’s NBA, perhaps the Bulls would have interest in a deal centered around acquiring Redick with Wade heading to the Clippers.
The Knicks could be looking at a similar deal for Redick, who owns a penthouse in Brooklyn. The problem, however, is that Redick is said to be looking for a deal that pays him a minimum of $15 million. Redick is a solid three-point shooter who struggled in the Clippers’ first-round series loss to Utah. He’s also weak defensively and the Knicks have plenty of those players already.
What’s encouraging, however, is that the Clippers will be looking to do something this summer, especially with Paul Pierce
TUSA TODAY SPORTS retiring. If Phil Jackson feels he can trade Anthony, he has to protect the club from taking on long-term deals. There’s nothing wrong with trading Anthony. That’s probably best for all parties involved. (As was trading Patrick Ewing.) he Clippers are an option, no doubt about it. But it’s probably not the best option. The Knicks are not getting back Blake Griffin for Anthony. The Clippers aren’t doing that. They would be willing to do lesser players with big contracts.
But the Knicks have plenty of those players already.