Clock still running as Carmelo Anthony rumors fly
With just 15 days before the NBA trade deadline, it's starting to get into white-knuckle territory. Time is running out for the Nuggets to move star forward Carmelo Anthony in an effort to maximize his value.
As the days wind toward Feb. 24, the Nuggets have an array of options on the table.
A trade with the Lakers, however, is not one of them — at least not in the configuration involving young center Andrew Bynum — according to a source.
ESPN.com quoted sources Tuesday as saying preliminary talks had begun between Los Angeles and Denver.
The Nuggets continue discussions with a number of teams about a variety of players, draft picks and expiring contracts. The organization still feels it has time to hold out for at least most of what it wants for Anthony.
Those close to the situation say there is a better-than-average chance Anthony will not be dealt until after the season. But that option isn't the best way to collect a significant amount of future assets for the forward. Yet, if the Nuggets are going to get something similar now to what they could get in the offseason, they will opt to keep the team intact and see what it can do in the playoffs.
The situation to keep an eye on is with the New York Knicks. If, as the New York Daily News reported Tuesday, owner James Dolan is getting more involved, that means he wants to speed up the process, with the Knicks seemingly willing to part with more than just swingman Wilson Chandler to get a deal done.
Meanwhile, something to keep in mind: Until the Nets decide on what they are going to do with the expiring contract of disgruntled forward Troy Murphy, the door may not be completely closed to a deal there — even if it is consolidated. One of the Nuggets' main goals is to clear cap space.
Then there is Houston and, perhaps, Dallas circling for rental possibilities. Those close to the Rockets continue to say the team remains interested in acquiring Anthony for the remainder of the season, and no matter what the long- shot chances may be, it wouldn't mind taking a couple of swings at convincing him to sign an extension.
Anthony will likely start the 2012 season in a uniform that's not powder blue.
The last time he puts on a Nuggets uniform, however, is still very much in question.
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