5 trades Carmelo Anthony will never agree to

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Feb 2, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with guard John Wall (2) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards won 116 – 108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Washington Wizards

Just like the Atlanta Hawks, the Washington Wizards are another middle-of-the-road playoff team. They have an excellent young backcourt with John Wall and Bradley Beal. It’s a combination that’s one of the best in the league. However, their roster can benefit from acquiring another offensive threat and Anthony fits that mold. Adding the 3-time Olympic gold medalist could elevate them to a top-tier team in the Eastern Conference. The main question that needs to be answered for this scenario is, “Can the Wizards add Carmelo without giving up Wall or Beal?”

Believe it or not, the answer to that question is yes. According to the ESPN NBA Trade Machine, Washington can package Kelly Oubre, Markieff Morris and Ian Mahinmi for Carmelo. They can also throw in a first round draft pick to make it harder for the Knicks to say no. This would make their starting lineup the following: Wall, Beal, Otto Porter, Anthony and Marcin Gortat. It’s a group that could make a lot of noise in the East. It would place them in the upper echelon with the Cavaliers, Celtics and Raptors. It all sounds great in theory.

Unfortunately for them, there’s little chance that the Knicks bite on an offer like that. Realistically, the Wizards would have to give up one of their best players and it most likely would be Beal. A deal that has a greater chance of getting New York to bite is packaging Beal and Porter for Anthony. It’s a legal trade and something that should get the attention of Phil Jackson. A young trio of Porzingis, Beal and Porter is something that the Knicks can build around.

Ultimately, the final decision rests in the hands of Anthony and it’s hard to imagine him agreeing to a trade with Washington. If it was a situation where Wall and Beal stayed and he was added, then perhaps he’d give it some thought. However, since it’s more realistic that Beal would need to be included in a deal for him, it makes going to Washington less appealing. Carmelo would be better off staying in New York.

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