Multiple reports Monday are indicating that Carmelo Anthony, despite publicly insisting he has not decided whether or not to stay with the Denver Nuggets, has made up his mind to leave the team.
ESPN's Ric Bucher reported today that "it is now a matter of when, not if" Anthony and the Nuggets part ways (video below). Meanwhile, the Denver Post cites 'Melo's East Coast upbringing, the fact that he recently sold his Littleton house, as well as the fact that he has reportedly told friends on several occasions that he wants to play in New York (among other factors) as evidencer that the Nuggets' forward will probably not be in Denver much longer.
In a Monday article, NBA Fanhouse reports that Knicks superfan Spike Lee is recruiting Anthony to come play in New York.
Anthony's contract with the Nuggets expires at the end of the 2010-2011 season. The team has offered Anthony a 3-year, $65 million extension to stay in Denver. The 3-time all-star forward has not yet signed the deal despite the fact that it will give him more money than any deal he signs after next season, when new a new collective bargaining agreement takes effect.
Anthony has said that he wants the Nuggets to make moves to shore up their front line and ensure that the team will be competitive in the years to come. Thus far, the team has only added journeyman forward Al Harrington.
Bucher reports that Anthony is, at this point, simply considering which option (signing the extension and convincing the Nuggets to trade him or letting is contract expire and forcing the team to trade him or else let him go for nothing) affords him the best opportunity to continue his career with different team before the start of the 2010-2011 season.
Anthony continues to insist he hasn't made a decision as to where he wants to play next year. He told the Denver Post on Monday "I'm a Denver Nugget. I'm here, I'm with the Nuggets. I don't become a free agent until next year, if I decide not to take that extension."
(VIDEO BELOW)
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