DEAL OR NO DEAL? As trade talks continue between the Knicks, Nuggets and Wolves — potentially bringing Carmelo Anthony to New York — Denver is seen as the team holding up the potential blockbuster as it gauges its chances for a championship. (CSM /Landov)
The Knicks and Timberwolves are eager to do a deal. The Nuggets? The wait is on.
“At the end of the day, it’s all up to Denver,” one person involved in the three-team discussions that would bring Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks told The Post.
“Just waiting to see what Denver ultimately does,” another individual with knowledge of the situation said.
As the Knicks and Timberwolves await Denver’s decision by the Feb. 24 NBA trade deadline, Knicks president Donnie Walsh still sits in a good spot.
It’s a sweetheart package for Walsh, who would give up Wilson Chandler, now a sixth man with a history of injury trouble; Anthony Randolph, the 21-year-old project out of the rotation and aching to be dealt; Eddy Curry’s expiring contract; possibly Andy Rautins, a second-round pick who has played in four games; and rehabbing Kelenna Azubuike’s expiring contract.
“It’s a little ways from being realistic,” another NBA source said. “They [the Nuggets] don’t want to do a deal that is much worse than [the New] Jersey [deal that’s now off the table], and they are only 3 1/2 games out of first place [entering last night].”
The Knicks have babied Chandler across the past 10 days as he battles a calf injury and left-ankle soreness on the same ankle that’s endured surgery in two consecutive summers.
Walsh said he has not been told Chandler will need any more ankle surgeries, but after keeping him out three games, Mike D’Antoni is using him off the bench, seemingly trying to keep up his health.
Chandler has been subdued the past 10 days. Last night at the Knicks’ charity bowl-athon, asked if he wanted to remain with the Knicks, Chandler said, “A lot.”
Some NBA executives say the Kroenkes, who own the Nuggets, are mulling the option of gunning for a championship this season rather than taking on Chandler in a ’Melo deal that pales to the Nets’ package.
Waiting until Feb. 24 gives the Nuggets a better idea of their chances, not Anthony’s preference.
Is Anthony trying to force Denver’s hand? Yesterday, Anthony did not show up to the Nuggets’ morning shoot-around for “personal reasons.” He showed up for last night’s game with the Rockets, claimed nothing had changed on the trade front, then went out and matched his career high with 50 points, including 21 in the final nine minutes, in a 108-103 loss. Anthony also scored 50 against the Knicks on Nov. 27, 2009.
If Anthony stays put, the Knicks can win, too. They can sign Anthony as a summer free agent and work out a sign-and-trade with Denver that gives him an extra year on a new contract. And the sixth-seeded Nuggets can take one last shot at glory.
It’s clear Walsh isn’t willing to give up the farm for Anthony — with Chandler the lone significant piece.
The Nuggets would get Chandler, whom they’d likely re-sign, a non-lottery first-round pick, Corey Brewer’s expiring contract, possibly Rautins, and cap space. They may not do better trading Anthony as a rental to Houston or Dallas.
The Knicks may bid farewell to Chandler anyway this summer if they sign Anthony to a maximum contract, as Chandler’s $6.4 million salary-cap hit may be too high.
If the three-team deal does not work out, the Timberwovles and Knicks may do a deal with Randolph for a first-round pick straight up. But Timberwolves president David Kahn, who once worked under Walsh, is willing to be facilitator for the Knicks to get Anthony.
If the Knicks land a second first-round pick, it’s a better reason to add draft guru Mark Warkentien. As the Post’s Peter Vecsey reported Sunday, Warkentien was hired just for this season.
“It’s a dream come true, working for him (Walsh),” Warkentien told The Post. “He’s a giant in the game, and I’m here for whatever Donnie needs for me to do.”
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The Knicks made an inquiry about Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks, but it doesn’t look good. A Rockets official said there is no interest in trading Brooks to the Knicks.
Additional reporting by Mark Hale
marc.berman@nypost.com