Anthony, Nuggets look ready to part ways

[Andrew]

Wojnarowski's report

Carmelo Anthony(notes) wants out of Denver, and World Wide Wes delivered that message to the Nuggets with all the delicacy of a jackhammer at Sunday morning services. Do yourself a favor and trade him, the agent told the organization weeks ago.

Denver was furnished with a short list of teams and told to get to work. Yes, this how William Wesley and Leon Rose of CAA work now, thick with threats and ultimatums and a swagger suggesting that the sport belongs to them. After Anthony told owner-in-waiting Josh Kroenke that he still wanted out of Denver during a Sunday meeting, the Nuggets appear done trying to sell their All-Star forward on a contract extension.

Shame it's come to this, they don't have a lot of leverage but hopefully they'll be able to get decent value in return. It's disappointing to see the situation being handled this way by Melo (or at least his camp) but unsurprising given the people who brought us The Decision are involved. David Falk might've been a jerk at the height of his power back in the day but at least his marquee client won championships.

[Kenny]

It's rather sad, but at the end of the day, if he's not happy with the Nuggets then I guess there's no use keeping him around. I can't help but think that with Melo doing this, he's going to forever be in direct comparison with LBJ instead of creating his own legacy.

[Fresh8]

It's bullshit that star players are able to control franchises with their 'power and influence'. Yes, that includes Kobe. Why can't players honor their contracts?

[benji]

How is he not honoring his contract?

[Kenny]

I don't think these players are doing anything wrong contract wise, I just think in Melo's case it's a bit like "if LeBron jumped off a cliff, would you?"

Him wanting this trade directly after the LeBron circus just looks like he's following a trend instead of being his own player.

[Lamrock]

They should stick it to Carmelo by trading him to Minnesota for Kevin Love.

[Kenny]

What about to Portland for Nicolas Batum?

[benji]

Him wanting this trade directly after the LeBron circus just looks like he's following a trend instead of being his own player.

Or he's yet another in the hundreds of "stars" in NBA history wanting trades to a better situation?

And telling your team you aren't resigning with them so it'd be a good idea to trade you now while they can get something of value is the same as stringing your team along for three years and not telling them what you're going to do (because you don't know) until a prime-time special?

[Lamrock]

What about to Portland for Nicolas Batum?

Pass.

[shadowgrin]

With the way that CAA has tried to muscle and manipulate the market this summer, sources said Stan Kroenke, freshly approved as the St. Louis Rams owner, intends look closely at whether the NBA should adopt a “franchise player” tag that teams could slap on superstars like the one the NFL uses. NBA owners are still far from seriously discussing that issue, but CAA’s manipulation of Anthony and Paul while under contract has become an increasingly sore subject within the league.

Great way to piss off the owners. The CBA negotiations will be fun.

[benji]

Great way to piss off the players union too. I doubt you could even get a majority of the owners, as lots of them definitely want to poach other teams stars, let along bring the players union on board and get it into a CBA.

[NovU]

I just think in Melo's case it's a bit like "if LeBron jumped off a cliff, would you?"

You guys would be surprised how many people share this thought all over the internet. So it was LBJ's fault for Paul wanting to leave the city, and now, it's LBJ's fault again for Melo wanting out of Denver. He set the trend? How so? Didn't previous stars leave their teams since decades before LBJ left CLE? This exactly is what I mean. By defending against these ludicrous claims on LBJ and Heat, what do I get. Homer tag.

[shadowgrin]

What ludicrous claims against the Heat?

[Fresh8]

How is he not honoring his contract?

Talking about being on a different team while still with the Nuggets. If his agents are pushing for a deal, he's obviously involved.

Same with Chris Paul. Play out the season then talk about where you want to be afterwards. Or at least keep it to yourself! That's just my opinion.

[Andrew]

I wouldn't say he's not honouring his contract. If he's not traded by the start of the season then I'd expect him to show up and hopefully not pull a Vince Carter. It doesn't sound like Melo (or his representation) are interested in an amicable split though.

[Fresh8]

I wouldn't say he's not honouring his contract. If he's not traded by the start of the season then I'd expect him to show up and hopefully not pull a Vince Carter. It doesn't sound like Melo (or his representation) are interested in an amicable split though.

Yeah, I chose bad words to describe it. I just think not in the aussie spirit to quit on your team. But they're not Aussie

Just was a bit disappointed in this. Melo is my favourite of the 03 draft class, I would love him in New York because it makes so much sense but I thought he was more loyal to Denver in the sense that he would play out his last year and then leave!

[shadowgrin]

Just was a bit disappointed in this. Melo is my favourite of the 03 draft class, I would love him in New York because it makes so much sense but I thought he was more loyal to Denver in the sense that he would play out his last year and then leave!

What, and possibly lose out millions in contract amount with a new CBA and even possibly not get paid if there is a lockout?

[Andrew]

That could still happen anyway, his contract is up at the end of the season no matter what.

[NovU]

Possibly from Denver's perspective, Melo could be a villain by choosing to leave. He's certainly not in KG's shoes yet. However, it has to be his decision to make and people should respect it in the end. How it goes down, hopely it ain't the path Vince Carter walked.

Seems like Denver's good days are soon to be gone though.

[Lean]

If his decision ain't televised, it ain't worth the attention.

[shadowgrin]

If his decision ain't televised, it ain't worth the attention.

I whole heartedly agree.

[The X]

I really hope Nuggets don't trade him, don't sign him to an extension & let him take less elsewhere. Good riddance

[Andrew]

The Nuggets still lose out there though. If they can get some young players and picks for him, they've at least set themselves up for a new rebuilding era.

[George7]

Maybe trade Melo for Deng and Johnson to the Bulls?

[Andrew]

I like it, but somehow I don't think Denver would.