Should the
Denver Nuggets elect to trade
Carmelo Anthony, the
New York Knicks are believed to be the All-Star forward's first choice for a new home. But they are not his only option.
Multiple league sources familiar with his situation told SI.com that Anthony would also be open to signing a long-term deal with Houston or New Jersey should either of those teams offer the Nuggets an acceptable trade package.
Getting Anthony, 26, to agree to an extension is the key to any deal as he can become a free agent after the 2010-11 season. Denver has offered Anthony a three-year, $65 million extension, but he has balked at signing it and is reportedly looking for a way out. Because acquiring Anthony would require a substantial offer, it is highly unlikely any team would risk making a trade without having Anthony agree to a simultaneous extension.
While resolving Anthony's situation is a priority in Denver, there is no urgency to make a deal quickly.
The Denver Post reported in June that the Nuggets were prepared to trade Anthony rather than watch him opt out of his contract next summer. However, the Nuggets are without a general manager after they let go of top basketball executives Mark Warkentien and Rex Chapman.
Former Suns executive David Griffin is believed to be the top candidate to run the basketball operations, but a league source said the Nuggets were still interviewing candidates.
By Chris Mannix, SI.com