CBSSports.com’ Ken Berger reports that the Denver Nuggets will trade Carmelo Anthony before the Feb. 24 deadline if he does not sign the team’s extension:
But according to people with knowledge of the team’s strategy, if Anthony doesn’t agree to sign the three-year, $65 million extension by the Feb. 24 trade deadline, the wheels are all but certain to be put in motion to part ways with the three-time All-Star rather than lose him as a free agent and get nothing in return.
Berger’s sources indicate that Denver management believes Carmelo Anthony is willing to play out the season with the Nuggets in order to join the New York Knicks as a free agent in 2011. By doing this, Anthony would run the risk of whatever new salary cap restrictions may appear in the new collective bargaining agreement.
The New Jersey Nets are still a strong possibility, Berger’s sources believe, but Anthony would need to sign an extension to receive the package of Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, Kris Humphries and two first-round draft picks.
All in all, this isn’t groundbreaking news. There has been no official indication the Nuggets will trade Anthony, and this is more unnamed sources reporting.
The Denver Nuggets are 13-8 this season, and Anthony is averaging 22.8 points and 8.0 rebounds this season. As of late, Anthony has been in a shooting slump and has battled the flu.