Tag 'Em And Bag 'Em

Carmelo Anthony was trade to New York, giving
the Knicks two superstars. Is it time to institute
the franchise tag like in the NFL?

It finally happened.

After weeks of rumors and endless hours of trade talk, Carmelo Anthony was finally dealt to the New York Knicks – making his debut last night at Madison Square Garden against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Upon hearing this, LeBron James came out and said that the power has shifted to the East, with teams like the Knicks and Miami Heat accumulating multiple stars over the last year.

So why did the Denver Nuggets let their rising star and fan-favorite Chauncey Billups go?

The answer is simple economics. Anthony refused to sign a contract extension during the summer, making him a free agent at the end of the season. Knowing that teams like New York and New Jersey were going to throw everything but the kitchen sink at the former Syracuse star, Denver's only hope was to trade him and at least get something in return.

But the NBA has to be careful. As bigger markets throw that kind of cash around and pluck stars from mediocre teams, the NBA is following a dangerous road to destruction. And players having more power isn't helping the cause.

It's time to propose a franchise tag, like the one in the NFL. With more negotiations coming up in October, this is the chance for owners of the smaller markets – like Denver – to gain some ground on the big boys.

Players may not like the franchise tag because it keeps them from exploring the market. But while this is true, some of the bigger markets already have that franchise player. The Lakers have Kobe Bryant. Miami has Dwayne Wade, and now James. Even the Clippers have Blake Griffin.

So why not give the smaller markets a chance with tags, while feeding players' egos by making them the face of the franchise.

Look at the NFL and the parity that has developed. Fans fill the stadium week after week because they know each game could be the one that sparks them to a Super Bowl run or the one that dashes the team's playoff hopes. The NBA would be wise in following that protocol for success.