Originally Posted by jericho

Here's a scenario that I'm sure will generate some strong rejections, but why wouldn't Denver consider...

Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin for Kevin Garnett and Randy Foye?

Anthony is obviously one of the league's greatest young studs of the present and future. He also doesn't strike me as the kind of player who carries a team to a title. He's a wing player who's essentially a scorer. Not a great playmaker or rebounder. He's becoming more well-rounded, but not an all-world defender. And his trade value is huge right now.

Garnett is more of a difference-maker. He's not as big a scorer, but his rebounding, defense, and passing are huge. He's likely to be comfortable as the #2 guy on offense. He and Iverson both know they have a lot to prove, and a closing window within which to prove it.

As for Minnesota, their leverage is decreasing and everyone knows it. I haven't heard of a better deal for them than one of the league's brightest young (and most marketable) stars. Anthony is a bit combustible, but that trait is part of what helps him put butts in seats. The 'Wolves are going nowhere anytime fast, and Anthony would still be in prime form when they're ready to make some real noise 3-4 years from now.

Kenyon is part of the deal because he'd be rendundant on the Nuggets, and his salary makes the numbers work. In Foye, Denver gets a potential young star in return.

The Nuggets could then field a lineup of...

C-Camby/Nene
PF-Garnett/Nene
SF-Diawara/cheapo free agent/Najera/your mother's garden hose
SG-Smith/Foye
PG-Iverson/Foye/Atkins

Some observations:

A) The three key players are on the dark side of 30...but all competitive hustle players who are driven to win.
B) The team has a glaring hole at SF...but that's honestly the best position at which to have a glaring hole. They don't need to find much in free agency to patch it well enough, and Garnett can play spot minutes there as needed.
C) Nene can still plan on playing starter-level minutes. He'll be the first big off the bench, and the team will want to keep Camby fresh for the playoffs.
D) Some on this board may be ready to jettison J.R. Smith. I think the team needs him here. He's still the guy who averaged 15 ppg and emerged as their best outside shooter last season before injuries and Brawlgate struck. Unless Karl has overly damaged him, I think he can still step up.

Okay...ready for the bullets now.