It appears increasingly likely that Carmelo Anthony won't leave Denver in 2011 — he'll be leaving in 2010.
Since the team began listening to offers, Anthony's agent Leon Rose has been putting pressure on the Nuggets to trade the star forward prior to the beginning of NBA training camps next week.
Carmelo has repeatedly stated that the New York Knicks — and a "super team" involving him, Amare Stoudamire, and an All-Star point guard to be named later — are his destination of choice, but the Knicks have few enticing young talents or draft picks that would allow them to appease Denver in a trade.
As a result, Anthony has turned his attention to Chicago, which he is calling option "1A" on his list, ESPN.com reports.. The Bulls have not surrendered future draft picks as the Knicks have, and Joakim Noah could be moved as the centerpiece of the return end of the deal.
The Nets, though, are in the best position to give Denver what they want, and the Nuggets will ultimately make the decision. They have expiring contracts in Troy Murphy and Kris Humphries, high-ceiling prospect Derrick Favors, a plethora of other young pieces, and all of their future picks. They also are likely moving to Brooklyn, something Anthony would be excited about being a part of.
The Rockets are also in the running — as they hold the rights to swap first-rounders with the Knicks in 2011 and to the Knicks' top pick in 2012 — and Kevin Martin could headline the bounty for Anthony. Still, reports have been mixed as to Houston's willingness to give up Martin.
All in all, it is seeming increasingly likely that Carmelo will never again play in a Nuggets uniform. He'll be in the big city. It's just unclear which one.
