The Nuggets are hoping the sight of the team with all its parts healthy will convince Carmelo Anthony to stay in Denver.
ESPN.com reports that the team will give their now fully-healthy lineup a few weeks “to jell” before pitching Anthony a final time on the three-year, $65 million extension that has been on the table since the summer. The 17-13 Nuggets had Kenyon Martin back in the lineup for the time this season on Dec. 22 and when Anthony returns to the team — expected to be on Wednesday night following his sister’s death — they will have their projected lineup on the floor for the first time all season. If Anthony resists they will increase their efforts to trade the superstar.
The Nets remain the favorite and the Knicks remain Anthony’s favorite, but other teams that would be willing to rent Anthony for the season could jump in the mix. The website lists the Rockets, Mavericks and Bobcats as three possibilities with Houston having the ability to offer the most tantalizing package.
The Nuggets would not have to get Anthony’s approval for a rental deal because there would be no need for him to sign the extension that the Knicks and Nets would need him to sign