RealGM

Let's say Melo would agree to the extension and ASG will shell out big bucks for him and Nene...

Melo/Nene

for
JSmith/Marvin/JCrawford

Actually works in trade checker. They won't get a player as good as Smith from NY, that's for sure, so that's why I want Nene too.

I like it. To further close the deal if necessary (not by choice), I'd expand it to include Zaza for Harrington. They'd get a serviceable C back and we'd take on the worst contract in the deal.

The other thing I would suggest is to shop a 1st rounder and Moe Evans for Aaron Brooks (unless the pick is needed in the Denver deal, then I'd try to work a Teague angle).

Brooks/Bibby/Teague
Johnson/Jordan Crawford
Anthony/Wilkins
Horford/Harrington/Powell
Nene/Collins/Thomas

That's a lineup that can make a run and would still be under the tax threshold this year. If we resign Anthony then we're over the tax threshold, but with likely greater revenues. If we don't resign him (not by choice), but keep Nene and Brooks then we are arguably around the same level of competitiveness as now just with a different mix of players.

That's more talent than any other package especially considering the pick from Minnesota isn't actually a Minnesota pick (it's a pick from Utah). You can argue Bynum is worth more, but the mitigating factor is his health. Marvin and Josh would probably both benefit from new environments with new coaches. They'd still be competitive this year with Billups/Chandler/Williams/Smith/Zaza and in the future Ty Lawson/Marvin/Josh make a decent core if you can add another big piece to it.

just for kicks.... Joe and Horford for Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Murphy, and Favors

C: Brook
PF: Smoove
SF: Marvin
SG: Crawford
PG: Harris

6th: Murphy/Bibby

but going back to the original post.....

Josh = Nene (but Nene has more value because he is a center)

so you are pretty much suggesting: Melo for Marvin and an expiring contract (with Marvin's production and contract, he has a negative value)

in this scenario Nuggets would be better off in trading Melo to the Knicks for Curry, or Houston for Yao, or MIL for Red, or Utah for AK, or PHX for Carter, or Dallas for Caron

Hawks best shot is Melo and Harrington for expiring contracts