As the trade deadline grows nearer and talks of the Lakers getting involved in the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, New York Knicks owner James Dolan has made the decision to attempt to personally broker the Anthony deal with Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke.
The fact that Dolan, generally a hands-off owner, is making the move to be so heavily involved is a strong signal that the Knicks are serious about getting the deal done, says the New York Daily News. Dolan's involvement may also be a sign of the influence of Isaiah Thomas, whom Dolan remains close to. Thomas has ties to CAA's William "World Wide" Wesley, a close associate of Leon Rose, Anthony's agent.
The deal currently being discussed would also involve the Timberwolves, with the initial arrangement being the Knicks receiving Anthony, the Timberwolves receiving Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry, and the Nuggets receiving Wilson Chandler, Corey Brewer and a first-round pick.
Both the Timberwolves and Nuggets, however, are not happy with that arrangement, and want more out of the deal, and Landry Fields and Danilo Gallinari may have to be put on the bargaining table.
Sources close to Anthony have stated that 'Melo will only sign an extension with the Knicks, taking away much of the Nuggets' leverage in negotiations. If they do not complete the deal by Feb. 24, Anthony is likely to sign with the Knicks in the summer, though the basketball landscape may be very different at that time given the ongoing negotiations regarding a new collective-bargaining agreement.
