Mark Warkentien Hired By Knicks, Reportedly To Help In Melo Chase

The New York Knicks have reportedly hired former Denver Nuggets General Manger Mark Warkentien in a move that could be aimed at luring Carmelo Anthony to the Big Apple.

Yahoo Sports's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news on Sunday night. He says that the move "undoubtedly has roots in the pursuit of Carmelo Anthony," who has said he would like to play for the Knicks.

Wojnarowski said that Warkentien is being hired as a consultant, but is ultimately expected to move into a full-time executive position.

Asked about the Knicks' front-office move, Anthony told ESPN "[a]s far as I'm concerned, I guess that's a great addition to that organization."

Anthony has been the subject of numerous trade rumors since he declined to sign a 3-year,$65 million extension with the Nuggets last summer. Most recently, the second of two rumored blockbuster trades with the New Jersey Nets fell apart, a development that--most believe-- makes the Knicks the most likely team to land Anthony in a trade.