Carmelo Anthony: leaving Denver one way or another
In the same summer we watched Cleveland lose LeBron James and Toronto lose Chris Bosh, the Nuggets are desperately trying to figure out their long-term future with their superstar, Carmelo Anthony. Denver has had a three-year, $65 million contract extension on the table for about two months know, but Anthony seems more likely to weigh his other options instead of sticking out those three years with the Nuggets.
Just like there were rumors of the James/ Bosh/ Wade Miami trio joining forces as early as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, various sources have confirmed Anthony's desire to jettison the Western Conference Nuggets for the pastures of Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks, joining 2010 free agent signing Amar'e Stoudemire and potentially Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets. League sources say it is a matter of when, not if, Anthony and Denver will go their separate ways. It's Anthony's decision in the meantime, but Denver is looking to lock him up for the future or deal him before the February trade deadline.
All signs are pointing towards the three-time All-Star leaving Denver, even if he signs the three-year extension. Can he say "no" to a $65 million deal or will he head into free agency and sign with the Knicks or another team under terms of a new agreement? If he formally rejects the current extension, Anthony could play the market, leaving with him of his choices of potential suitors while the Nuggets are left with nothing. If he signs with Denver with the understanding that he will be traded, he loses his leverage; he signs the contract and gets the long-term agreement he wants, but the Nuggets could technically send him wherever they want to. They will not be held hostage of Anthony.
While nothing seems imminent, the signs, and sources confirm, that Carmelo Anthony will likely be on the move next year.
By President - Corey Ruff - 8-19-10
