Carmelo Would 'Take A Real Hard Look' At Extension
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The good news: New York is still considered to be in the lead for Carmelo Anthony.
The bad news: Donnie Walsh's Knicks have company.
According to the Daily News, the Denver Nuggets are going to take offers for Anthony until right before the February 24 trading deadline expires.
"The plan is to wait until as close to the 24th as they can, and see what other teams are going to offer between now and then," said a Daily News source. "They're in no rush."
Frank Isola reported on Tuesday that Los Angeles' Jim Buss rejected a deal that would send Carmelo to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, "to the dismay" of Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson.
"Andrew is beloved by Jim Buss, and that's that," a source close to Buss said.
A Lakers official refuted the report, telling the L.A. Times, "What's out there is inaccurate."
Also considered to be possible destinations for Anthony are the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
Further complicating matters is the option for Anthony to stay in Denver.
Anthony said he would "take a real hard look" at signing a three-year, $65 million extension with the Nuggets if he isn't dealt by the NBA's Feb. 24 deadline, according to the Denver Post.
Meanwhile, the Daily News reported on Tuesday that Knicks owner James Dolan "is taking a more active role" in the pursuit of Anthony and "has had direct negotiations" with the Nuggets.
"Dolan's decision to become more involved in the Anthony trade talks is a sign that the Knicks are closing in on a deal for the All-Star forward," reported the paper.
"A lot of GMs believe 'Melo's agent is trying to make the Knicks believe a deal could get done with the Lakers to get the Knicks to give more," said one league executive, according the the NY Post.
Knicks fans are hoping the reported three-team negotiations between New York, Minnesota and Denver will be enough to land Carmelo at MSG.
The Post reported on Monday that the Knicks have discussed adding Wilson Chandler, Anthony Randolph, rookie Andy Rautins, and the expiring contracts of Kelenna Azubuike and Eddy Curry to the trade mix.
Minnesota would send a first-round draft pick and Corey Brewer to the Nuggets, while adding Randolph and Curry from New York.
Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire spoke with reporters on Tuesday, and said the Carmelo rumors can't "affect your game and your professionalism."
"You still have a game to play. You have practice. You have teammates depending on you," Stoudemire said. "So you have to continue to stay professional and continue to work."
With all the talk surrounding him, Anthony has remained tight-lipped.
"I don't really want to talk about that, man," he said on Monday night. "I'm not talking about no Nuggets management right now."
Will the Knicks land 'Melo, or will he end up with the Lakers? Sound off in the comments below…
