I don't believe either rumor but if Lebron is talking to Phx because James Jones is head head of basketball operations...then it's on behalf of getting Jackson to Cleveland and Irving to Phx not some convoluted pipe dream 3-4way team trade.
Carmelo and Lebron have had multiple opportunities to play with each other and have spoken on it publicly but of all the times to be quiet/distant with each other, they are now. They aren't that interested it's very telling. They like controlling their own situations separate of each and this is how they've operated their whole career. Notice there have been plenty rumors leaked but not 1 of Lebron and Melo keeping in touch with each other and hoping to link up
Heck Melo was recently playing basketball with Kyrie/Butler/Lou Williams/Bobby Brown in the same gym where a few days later Harden/CP3/Ariza were playing. Melo has sent all signals where he wants to be and it ain't Cleveland.
The only way we're in play as of now is to assist in Kyrie establishing his trade value, that's it.
Oh and btw Mike Miller said he spoke to Kyrie recently(no third party source) straight from the horses mouth about joining Denver. He said although not on his short list...wouldn't reveal exactly what was said but that Kyrie would welcome an opportunity to land there. He said Kyrie has to start thinking along these lines because he doesn't control where he gets traded.
Is this to be taken at face value..ummmm nope but I'll believe this slightly more if Miller actually spoke to the man instead of sourcing someone who knows the man speaking for the man.
Josh Jax? How does trading for JJ help CLE win a title this year? If Lebron is bolting CLE for LAK after this season..... why does he want a rookie or care about gettting CLE a young prospect? That doesn't make sense, from Lebron's perspective. Do you honestly think Lebron prefers playing with JJ over Melo?
Irving does control his fate tho, in a sense, b/c he can stand firm and say I will only sign an extension with this team or that.
In other words, why would PHO or any team trade a young stud or multiple assets for a guy who could split in 2 years?
Indy got nada for PG bc he's a free agent next Summer. Ergo, package for KI won't be much more b/c he can decide to bolt in 2 years.
Now, if Indy waited they couldn't flipped PG for KI.... so by acting in haste they screwed themslevs.
Still, unless KI agrees to sign an extension.... PHO won't deal JJ.
And, remember, Lebron didn't want Wiggins.... so, he's not pushing for JJ (unless he plans on staying in CLE and is willing to eschew winning this season).
The only way CLE replaces KI is if Lebron gets Bledsoe and Melo. Otherwise, LJ will force CLe to keep KI and the Cavs are then screwed. LJ leaves next summer then KI after that.
So.... ball is in Gilbert's hands. Does he go for it this season? Or, does he start the post Lebron plan now? Post Lebron plan means get best deal for KI you can.... hope LJ asks for a trade by deadline. Otherwise, you roll dice and hope minor improvement at deadline help this team get to finals and somehow beat GSW. Third option, put together best team you can for this season.... try to win title 2 and reap financial benefits.
If I were Gilbert I realize KI is a goner in 2 years anyway (and Lebron next year).... so, I gamble and go for 1 more title. This makes much more sense bc for all we know JJ is a bust.
We know if CLe gets Bledso and Melo they'll be in the finals, and have a shot.
From NYK end, I say you either luck out and deal melo and a pick for KI or just stand pat, flip Melo to hOu when a deal you like arises.... then simply sign KI in 2 years.