Carmelo Anthony Representatives Reportedly Tell Josh Kroenke Star Forward Wants Out Of Denver

Representatives for Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony have reportedly told the team's ownership that the all-star wants out of Denver.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that Anthony, along with agent Leon Rose and ubiquitous NBA backroom dealer William Wesley (a.k.a World Wide Wes) spoke with new Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke on Sunday in a meeting that was described as "not particularly pleasant."

For weeks, reports have indicated that Anthony, whose contract expires at the end of next season, had made up his mind to leave Denver. The 26-year-old forward has thus-far refused to corroborate any of these stories.

According to Wojnarowski, Kroenke pushed back somewhat against Anthony's representatives' demands, and refused to trade the team's star unless he gets young players and draft picks in return.

The Nuggets have had a 3-year, $65 million extension offer on the table for several months. The deal is likely worth more than Anthony would receive should he sign a deal with a different team next year, when a new collective bargaining agreement takes effect.

Anthony's ideal scenario would have him sign the extension and then force a trade. The Nuggets are likely to be open to such a scenario to ensure that they don't lose their best player and get nothing in return when his contract expires next year.

The team is reportedly open to dealing Anthony, along with J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin to start fresh with a new core of players.

The Denver Post's Mark Kiszla suggests that virtually no current Nugget is immune from being traded as part of the team's new reloading strategy.

The New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Clippers have been cited as the most likely destination for Anthony.