By Alex of NBAtipoff

The Denver Nuggets need to trade Carmelo Anthony.

They don’t play defense, he hasn’t been molded into a team player yet–all of that allowed the Lakers to sweep the Nuggets. So, I’ve come up with five deals that Denver might consider.

5. Rashard Lewis (makes about $14.9 million) and Jameer Nelson ($2 million) head to Denver for Carmelo Anthony (a little over $13 million) and Linas Kleiza (a little over $1 million). This is an okay deal. Lewis is a little over-valued in terms of how much he makes, but he’s versatile and can do just about everything on court. Nelson will be a good addition to the back court. This deal is fifth for a reason, this deal won’t really improve the Denver defense.

4. Andrei Kirilenko (makes about $13.7 million), Ronnie Brewer (about $1.7 million) and Kyle Korver ($4.5 million) head to Denver for Carmelo, J.R. Smith (about $2.1 million) and Linas Kleiza. The Nuggets would get one tough guy in Kirilenko. He may not be the best all around player, but he can defend, rough guys up and score the ball when given a chance. Brewer could be a solid bench player and Korver could find a new home in Denver. This deal is great for Denver defense, but their offense would suffer.

3. Shawn Marion (if he doesn’t opt out, he’ll make a little over $16 million) and Dorell Wright (over $2 million) go to Denver for Carmelo and Kleiza. This deal can be great for Denver. I feel that Marion is down on his luck and hasn’t gotten an opportunity to win a title yet. He would increase his chances in Denver. The Heat get an explosive three to go with Wade and the #2 pick and Kleiza can provide bench points.

2. Gilbert Arenas (this would be a sign and trade, maybe in the $12.5-13 million range) and Caron Butler (who makes about $8.5 million) go to Denver for Carmelo, Kleiza, Smith and Eduardo Najera (about $5 million). This deal has some pros and cons. While the Nuggets get a tough, gritty guy in Butler, they lose some great bench play. They’d have to consider it to have the explosive back court of Allen Iverson and Gilbert Arenas.

1. Vince Carter (makes about $13.3 million) and Desagana Diop (about $2.1 million) go to Denver and Carmelo and Smith head to New Jersey. The reason I like this deal is that Carter for Carmelo is close to equal value. Now, you may say Melo is just as good if not better than Carter, but Carter is more experienced and might be better as a leader. Also, Diop would be a nice addition to the front line, which is pretty deep. Smith is a strong bench player, but they need defense and better attitudes.

Despite the fact that the Nuggets said they won’t trade Melo, they will listen to these offers. If I’m the Nuggets GM, I would strongly consider 1-3. People say you can’t get equal value for a star; well I think getting Gilbert Arenas, or Vince Carter, would be real close to equal value.

Forget about the Olympics for now Melo, it’s time to change that jersey!

(The salary numbers are from DraftExpress)