Despite reports that Carmelo Anthony doesn't want to play in Newark, the Nets haven't been told that and they continue to pursue the forward, according to multiple sources.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s a new aerial assaulter in The City of Angeles.

He isn’t Shannon Brown. And he doesn’t sport the purple-and-gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Instead, he suits up for the city’s other team: the Clippers. He was the first overall pick of the 2009 draft. On November 20th, he committed acts against the New York Knicks which are illegal in 32 states, 18 republics, and 11 semi-autonomous territories.

Of course, we’re talking about Blake Griffin. Watch the highlight package below and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor. 
 

If disenchanted Carmelo Anthony is still with the Denver Nuggets at trade time in February, look for the Timberwolves to make a serious run at him.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Delusional, crazy, and silly.

This is the only way to describe a reporter’s assertion that the Minnesota Timberwolves will, or should, chase Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony won’t ink an extension with Denver because they lack a co-superstar, play in a small market, and are thousands of miles from his home out east.

Consider the state of the Timberwolves: despite having young pieces, they lack a bonafide co-superstar; ‘The Frozen Tundra of Sota’ is the league’s version of Siberia; and Minnesota is far, far away from Anthony’s base of New York.

Of course, the Timberwolves can make a ‘run’ for the forward. They can even acquire him. However, they have zero chance at getting Anthony’s signature on a long-term extension.

So why bother? Think of the optics.

Suppose the Wolves pull off the impossible and land Anthony. They’d have to give the Nuggets young players, expiring contracts, and draft picks.

Come July 1st, Anthony walks as a free agent. In fact, he sprints away from Executive David Kahn and the Timberwolves.  

The forward will take less money to sign with the New York Knicks. Perhaps he’ll do the same for the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, especially if it means ditching Minnesota.

The Timberwolves would then have nothing to show for this sad saga –nothing except the shame of losing a superstar. Their have-not status would again be clear for all to see.

Like I said, it’s delusional, crazy, and silly. Here’s hoping the Timberwolves invest their time in more worthwhile pursuits.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

 For two weeks, the Knicks have been working on a deal that would include Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and a first-round draft pick acquired from a third team. New York is also now more willing to part with Danilo Gallinari.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He could be sacrificed.

The New York Knicks may have to part with Danilo Gallinari to acquire Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.

Sure, the sharpshooter is a talent. His range spreads the floor. His mid-range game is developing. And each year his confidence grows.

This, however, is not enough to pass on a superstar.

Gallinari and Anthony play the same position: the three-spot. The Italian would become redundant on any squad with ‘Melo.

After all, Gallinari can’t switch positions. He’s too slow for off-guard; the Knicks gave Amar’e Stoudemire a cool $100 million to play power forward.

They could go small, though. The Knicks could give Stoudemire time at center, shift Anthony to power forward, and keep Gallinari at quick forward.

Unfortunately, moving Stoudemire to center – a position he never enjoyed while with the Phoenix Suns – would take minutes from promising rookie Timofey Mozgov.

In this situation, the simplest option makes the most sense. And Knick-nation must be willing to sacrifice Gallinari for Anthony.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Oh, how The Franchise has fallen.

Steve Francis, a three-time NBA All-Star, is now out the league and catching flack from the law for sipping a little something, something at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Perhaps this is Karma. After all, Francis was a Prima Donna in Vancouver, Houston, and Orlando. His time in New York and Memphis was laughable.

Hopefully, Francis gets it together. He’s only 33. And has the resources to do anything he wants.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Carmelo Anthony denied that he has requested a trade and said he plans to keep his options open until the end of the season. "I'm leaving my options open. At the end of the season, I'll sit down with my team; I'll sit down with the Nuggets," Anthony said. "I've never said I wanted to be traded," he said. "I never once said anything about trade talk. There's been a lot of speculation going on."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Ah, the old innocent routine.

Nobody believes Carmelo Anthony's denials that he had any part in off-season trade talks. For months, speculation has surrounded the superstar on where the Denver Nuggets might deal him.

Today, he reported to the Nuggets’ training camp. And today, he played the-hear-no-evil, see-no-evil-card with the media.

What else could Anthony do?

The Nuggets spent all weekend trying to deal him to the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, or Philadelphia 76ers. They failed.

So Anthony came to camp, where reporters peppered him with questions. They wanted to know his plans for the future. And he gave them nothing, except some song-and-dance about deciding at the end of the season.

It wasn’t believable. For now, it was enough.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"We’ll see if he signs a reasonable extension and if he’s 100 percent happy that it’s where he wants to go," Bryant told Yahoo! Sports on Saturday. "If not, don’t make a move just to get out of the situation. ... Make sure it’s a move that you’re very happy in and you’re comfortable with."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Black Mamba has spoken.

Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s greatest player and resident OG, recently advised Carmelo Anthony on his situation with the Denver Nuggets.

Bryant's opinion makes sense: too often, players hastily swap one bad situation for another. Instead of weighing their options, they force trades, and aren't better off.

Wherever Anthony lands, it must be right. He has to win. Big time.

While this situation isn’t The Decision Part Deux, it has cast the superstar forward in an unsavoury light. Many fans are sick of the hourly updates, constant speculation, and comments from Mrs. Anthony.

So Bryant’s point is a good one: whether Anthony ends up with the New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets, he has to be sure.

If he’s unsure, why bother?

Anthony would soon find himself in the same predicament a few years from now. He’d be losing, He'd be miserable. And he'd be searching for an exit strategy.

Perhaps Anthony is spending the weekend reflecting on Bryant’s words. And perhaps this explains his reservations about joining the Nets.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Signing with the New York Knicks would have been a good business decision.

New York is the media capital of the world, so calling Madison Square Garden home would have allowed LeBron James to maximize his brand.

Each day, he could’ve spent a few hours on basketball. After practice or games, he could’ve jumped in his limo, rubbed shoulders with Fortune 500 CEOS, and furthered his business empire.

However, signing with the Miami Heat was a good basketball decision.

The Heat could, and did, attract three superstars because they had the cap space to offer three max contracts. The Knicks could only attract two superstars because they only had the cap space to offer two max contracts.

And that’s why James picked Miami over the New York. He wanted to play with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Not Bosh or Wade in New York.

More specifically: he wanted to win multiple championships with Bosh and Wade in Miami. Not contend for multiple championships with Bosh or Wade in New York.

Whatever your thoughts on how James left the Cleveland Cavaliers, you can’t fault him for signing with Miami and ignoring New York.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Nuggets look ready to part ways with Carmelo Anthony who has made it clear he wants out of Denver. Anthony's camp has advised the Nuggets to deal the superstar forward since he plans to leave as a free agent next summer.

The relationship has become contentious, with Anthony's representatives making heavy-handed demands and Stan Kroenke responding in kind. "It’s almost a given they’re going to move him," said a team executive who has talked with both the Nuggets and Anthony’s agents.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Carmelo Anthony saga has hit the Denver Nuggets at an inopportune time.

George Karl, the coach, is battling cancer, so his future is uncertain. Masai Ujiri, the GM, is brand spanking new. The Kroenke family, the owners, are shuffling who oversees the various holdings in their empire, which includes the basketball team.

The Nuggets are in flux. Anthony - or any superstar - wouldn't sign a multi-year extension under such dire circumstances

The only thing harder than re-signing Anthony: getting equal value in a trade.

Consider Ujiri's predicament. He’s new. He has no leverage since Anthony can bolt as a free agent in July. Opposing GMs will likely lowball the former Raptors’ executive. And it’s never easy to get fair compensation when moving a superstar.  

Help will also be limited. Karl is trying to get healthy, while the Kroenke clan are preoccupied with buying the NFL’s St. Louis Rams.

At least, the Nuggets have decided to trade Anthony. However, the hard part, the actual deal, is just starting.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Anthony has hesitated to sign a three-year, $65 million extension and expressed intrigue with opting out of his contract next summer to become a free agent. Despite significant speculation the New York Knicks are the team that Anthony would most likely want to join, two sources close to him insisted the Knicks have been overstated as an object of his desire. Privately, Anthony has expressed more enthusiasm over joining the Houston Rockets than the Knicks, sources said.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For Carmelo Anthony, it's not all about New York.

Recent reports indicate Anthony is lobbying for a trade to the Houston Rockets, which would leave the Knicks in the cold. 

This is a surprise, but not a shock.

The Knicks lack the parts to trade for Anthony, so team and player would have to link up in July when the superstar hits free agency.

This may be too great a risk for Anthony, especially with a three-year, $65 million offer on the table from the Denver Nuggets. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer, and a new CBA would likely reduce the salary Anthony could earn as a free agent.

The star is trying to protect his earning power by engineering a sign-and-trade. And it explains why Anthony is considering taking the Nuggets' money and heading south to the Rockets.

The Rockets possess the assets to trade for Anthony and can still provide a solid supporting cast. He'd also remain in the Western Conference, away from the Boston Celtics' veterans, the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, and the Miami Heat's Three Kings.

Bottom line: Anthony isn't sleeping on Houston. Neither should we.    

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Us being in New York is a possibility," LaLa said. "It depends on Melo's career and where it takes him. There's a lot of talk about the Knicks, I mean, there's a lot of teams out there, he's a great player and I think collectively we just need to think about what makes sense for our family. But I would never say that being in New York is not an option. I'd be lying to you if I said that."

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Their interest in the New York Knicks is understandable.

LaLa Vasquez and Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony have ties to the east coast. Both were born in Brooklyn. She was raised in New York; he spent his formative years in Baltimore and won an NCAA championship at Syracuse University.

So we get it. They’re connected to The Big Apple.

Then there’s the culture de jour of the NBA. Today, most superstars want to play in sexy markets for big revenue teams who’ll spend to win. In fact, they believe this is their divine right.

Translation: New York, the Knicks, and Madison Square Gardens appeal to Vasquez and Anthony.

But ‘Melo has a contract. For 2011. With Denver. And he doesn’t become a free agent for ten months, and then, and only then, will he get to pick his next home. All the chatter is premature.

Of course, a trade could happen. Key word: could. The Nuggets – not Anthony or Vasquez – will make this decision.  

Until the organization that has supported and paid him so handsomely makes this call, Anthony and Vasquez should tone things down.

Anthony needs to release a statement saying he won’t discuss the future because he’s focusing on the upcoming season, while Vasquez needs to avoid the press.

Not only will the league’s power couple look professional, it will provide a much needed cooling off period for the Nuggets and Knicks to, perhaps, swing a trade.

After all, such a trade is complicated. The Nuggets would be cutting ties with their franchise face. The Knicks would have time to find an appropriate mix of assets to offer.

Bottom line: the publicity, the 24-hour Carmelo Anthony news cycle, the gossip, the rumors aren’t in anyone’s interest.

In fact, it’s only making a migration to the NYC more complicated for Vasquez and Anthony.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Although the Knicks credited Isiah Thomas with helping the team land Amar'e Stoudemire this summer, Stoudemire himself told the media that he never even spoke to Thomas before making his decision to sign in New York.

"No. I didn't talk to him once," said Stoudemire. "I never talked with him once." Asked if he's ever met Thomas, Stoudemire said, "A while ago, I think.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This is exhibit 4,489 that the New York Knicks are dysfunctional.

For weeks, owner James Dolan has publicly credited Isiah Thomas - his disgraced former coach and executive - with helping the Knicks to sign free agent Amar'e Stoudemire.

Dolan then rehired Thomas as an outside consultant because of his supposed success with Stoudemire.

It didn't matter that Thomas once ran the organization into the ground. It didn't matter that Thomas was sued for sexual harassment. And it didn't matter that Thomas' consulting gig would pose a conflict of interest with his day job as coach of Florida International University.

According to Dolan, Thomas could relate to stars like Stoudemire. So he was back.

Now we discover Thomas had no role in the Stoudemire signing. Zero. Zilch. None. In fact, the All-Star four-man can't even confirm if or when he talked to Thomas.

Either Stoudemire has a sudden case of amnesia or Dolan is a liar. My money is on the latter.

Why would the Knicks' madman go to such lengths to bring Thomas back? And why would he credit Thomas for a signing he had no part in?

The answer: Dolan wants Thomas to replace Donnie Walsh as head suit.

Eventually, Walsh's health will force him to retire. Dolan and Thomas are still close, and this relationship could result in Isiah returning to the city and franchise he once terrorized.

Dolan wanted Thomas in the loop, so he could quickly transition from consultant to executive whenever Walsh calls it quits.

And if that hiring ever happens, it will be even more evidence that the Knicks are dysfunctional.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I mentioned this in my report yesterday on the feud/pending divorce between Rudy Fernandez and the Portland Trail Blazers, but it belongs in the lead paragraph for this site: The Knicks are among the teams trying to acquire the Spanish shooting guard, and they have offered Wilson Chandler.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For many reasons, Wilson Chandler isn't enough.

The on-going and never-ending Rudy Fernandez trade saga has backed the Portland Trail Blazers and their rookie GM Richie Cho into a corner.

So the New York Knicks offer of Chandler, an athletic swing, won't get a deal done and bring the Spaniard to The Big Apple.

The Blazers are peeved at Fernandez's constant whining to the international press. And Cho, who was just hired as head suit, can't accept anything but equal value in a trade.

Put yourself in Cho's situation. This is your first test as GM. Why cave to Fernandez's demands, take back less than equal value, and bear the brunt of a fan backlash? Instead, why not make a strong first impression with 'Rip City' and try for a home run?

Chandler's mixed record doesn't help. On-court, his athleticism is obvious. Off-court, is a different story: in May, he was arrested for possession of pot during a traffic stop in Queens, New York.

Of course, Portland is weary of acquiring such players because they endured years of 'Jail Blazer' antics and arrests.

Bottom line: the Knicks must up the ante if they want Fernandez's three-point shooting and energy in Madison Square Gardens next season.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe in the comment box below.      

If the Rockets or Nets can present an offer that is agreeable to the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony is open to being traded to, and signing a long-term extension with, one of these two clubs. The story was reported by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, citing multiple league sources familiar with the situation.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Carmelo Anthony wanted to stay with the Denver Nuggets, he would've taken their three-year, $65 million contract offer.

This thing would've been signed, sealed, and delivered long ago. There's no deal and the speculation is hitting fever pitch.

After all, reports indicate Anthony has zero intention of re-upping with Denver. Instead, he wants to opt-out of his contract next July, hit free agency, and pick his new home.

So the Nuggets have two options. First, they can ignore the headlines, hope the seemingly inevitable doesn't occur, and pray that Anthony re-signs.

This is unlikely, and will result in Anthony's pending free agency becoming such a distraction the season will be compromised. Then he'll leave.

Second, they can accept the inevitable and trade him for a new cast of players to surround star point guard Chauncey Billups. The list of suitors for Anthony reportedly includes the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.

The Nuggets should be able to find a deal to their liking. In fact, it seems they don't have much choice.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

A "methodical connecting of dots" is beginning to paint a grim picture in Denver. These are some of the dots: Carmelo's selling his Littleton estate; the constant reports of Anthony telling friends that he wants to play for the New York Knicks; his New York wedding; his East Coast upbringing; summer trade talk that has cropped up twice in his time in Denver, which hasn't always made him feel wanted; oh, and not signing a contract that averages around $21.6 million per year for the next three years, a sizable amount of money that he may not be able to earn under a new collective bargaining agreement.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s starting to feel inevitable.

Perhaps, Carmelo Anthony passes on the Denver Nuggets three-year, $65 million extension and takes less money and term to sign with the New York Knicks.
 
One sign has been overlooked: the All-Star forward has been especially active in negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with owners. The old CBA expires next summer, which is when Anthony can become a free agent.

His participation in union-owner meetings shows Anthony is very much weighing what he’d have to sacrifice to leave Denver for New York. Heading east has crossed his mind.

Whatever his decision, Anthony must handle free agency better than a certain player selected ahead of him in the 2003 Draft (for the record, we’re not talking about Darko Milicic).

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Stefan Bondy: Asked eva longoria if tony parker wants to play in new york: her answer, "yes"

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: No surprise here.

The Desperate Housewife wants hubby Tony Parker to take his talent to the media capital of the world, New York City. So Parker - a free agent at season's end - could be on the move.

The San Antonio Spurs have young George Hill waiting in the wings at point guard. And Manu Ginobili found his game when Parker was injured during the latter months of the 2010 regular season.

A move to New York is slightly more complicated than Mr. and Mrs. Eva Longoria realize, though.

The Knicks have their eyes on prying superstar Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. However, the Knicks could add Paul and Parker.

Coach Mike D'Antoni would love the scoring opportunities Paul and Parker would collectively create, and he wouldn't worry about their lack of size on defense.

This isn't such a crazy idea. Remember, Coach Gregg Popovich once considered moving Parker to the two-spot when the Spurs were chasing free agent point guard Jason Kidd.

Now Kidd is bigger than Paul and Parker. He can easily defend opposing two-guards. But Paul and Parker would compensate for their smaller stature by pressuring the ball full court, and they would be protected in D'Antoni's up-tempo system.

Again, it's no surprise Parker has interest in New York. The surprise could be having Paul as his backcourt mate.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Trevor Ariza was traded to the Hornets on Wednesday as part of a four-team trade.His departure may help team chemistry, as Ariza reportedly had a 'troubled relationship' with Aaron Brooks.

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New York Knicks president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh announced Thursday that the team has signed guard Andy Rautins, the 38th overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft, to a player contract.

Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rautins, 6-4, 194-pounds, played four seasons at Syracuse University and averaged 12.1 points and 4.9 assists as a senior in 2009-10.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On Tuesday evening, I had a press pass for the Jack Donohue International Classic between Canada and China in Vancouver, BC.

Andy Rautins is the starting off-guard for the Canadians. What New York fans have heard is true: the former Syracuse star has serious range.

On Tuesday, he was 4-of-6 from behind the three-point line. Two of his three-pointers were from well beyond the arc. His jump shot can punish opposing defenses for cheating or double-teaming.  

Rautins, at 6-6, also has nice size for the two-spot. He’s an above average passer and competes on both ends of the floor.

However, his mid-range game is an area of concern. Rautins needs to develop an in-between game to complement his outside shot.

Rautins does have a strong basketball IQ. His father is Leo Rautins, a former center with the Philadelphia 76ers, broadcaster, and the current coach of the Canadian national side.

Maybe Rautins sticks in New York. Maybe he doesn’t. He only needs the right opportunity to show he’s an NBA player.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is a free agent next summer and he has told friends that he's "eager to explore playing" for the New York Knicks when his contract is up, according to CBSSports.com.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will he ‘eagerly’ sacrifice millions of dollars to leave the Denver Nuggets and sign with the New York Knicks?

This, of course, is the important point. Not that Anthony likes the Five Burroughs. 

Carmelo Anthony, a free agent in 2011, obviously has his eyes on the bright lights of Madison Square Gardens and New York City.

After all, Anthony and wife Lala Vaszuez were both born in Brooklyn. The Knicks are a classic franchise with the resources to sign the scorer and provide a supporting cast.

Problem is, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer. And NBA owners want a new CBA that limits the power superstars like Anthony have over franchises.

So the Nuggets will have even greater leverage over Anthony. Perhaps they’ll be able to offer him even more money than other teams. Perhaps they’ll be able to tack on an additional two years to his contract. Or perhaps the entire system changes and Anthony doesn’t become a free agent.

Eager or not, there are many factors to be determined before Anthony heads east for New York.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Stephon Marbury told The Post yesterday that he is done with the NBA. He will never get a second chance with the Knicks like Isiah Thomas, whose NBA life was resuscitated by James Dolan on Friday.

"Good luck, New York," Marbury said wryly in reacting to Thomas' return to the Knicks as a part-time consultant. "Good luck, New York."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Do I detect a note of sarcasm from the one they call The Starbury?

Stephon Marbury and Isiah Thomas were once allies with the New York Knicks. Thomas traded for Marbury, a former New York high school star. And for a while, the two were connected at the hip.

Once the losing started, once the negative press began, once Thomas' sexual harassment case made national headlines, they turned on each other.

Marbury refused to support Thomas and the organization during the sexual harassment case. The problems then spilled over to the basketball court, and the two had a confrontation on the team plane. For their shenanigans, both were run out the NBA.

There is a difference between these two: Thomas is getting a second chance, Marbury is not.

Perhaps, Marbury's sarcasm is really sour grapes.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.   

Carmelo Anthony may soon face the same predicament close friend LeBron James was in -- playing for a club good enough to compete but not to win a championship. We all know what choice LeBron made, and Anthony could make a similar decision next year. Anthony has been long rumored to favor the Knicks, who didn't waste their remaining salary cap money on lesser free agents, choosing to save the cash. The Nuggets stayed relatively quiet in the offseason besides the additions of Al Harrington and Shelden Williams, and they don't look dramatically different from the team that lost in the first round to Utah in May. Unless the Nuggets make some dramatic moves over the next 12 months, they risk losing Anthony for nothing.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It could happen.

Carmelo Anthony could leave as a free agent. The Nuggets could get nothing back. And the city of Denver could get angry with Anthony like Cleveland did with LeBron James.

However, two things work in the Nuggets' favour. First, there isn't a crew of superstars to lure him from Denver. The New York Knicks have cap space, Amar'e Stoudemire, and play in the media capital of the world.

They don't have a once in a generation swingman like Dwyane Wade, though.

Second, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is coming next summer, likely before Anthony hits free agency. The new CBA will surely give teams' greater power in retaining top free agents because owners are frustrated with the leverage superstars have.

So Anthony may have to sacrifice significant money and/or term to leave Denver for the New York Knicks.

This could still happen. Anthony could also decide to take the most money available and re-sign with the Nuggets

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.     

Tracy McGrady might be playing in the Central Division next season, but not with the team he was anticipating. The Detroit Pistons are seriously weighing whether to sign the two-time scoring champion after McGrady's recent flirtation with the Chicago Bulls, according to sources with knowledge of Detroit's thinking.

DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony reported earlier Saturday that the Pistons have already committed to sign McGrady to a one-year deal at the league's $1.35 million veteran minimum, but one source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Pistons officials were "taking the weekend" to discuss the move.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will ‘T-Mac’ spend 2011 in Motown?

Currently, there are conflicting reports on the World Wide Web as to the Detroit Pistons’ interest in former superstar Tracy McGrady.

Some reports claim he’s already a Piston. Other reports claim the club only had a 'discussion' about signing him.

Bottom line: this should happen. It’s a fit for the team and player.

The Pistons failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2010, and – as currently constructed - they stand zero chance of qualifying in the revamped Eastern Conference in 2011.

They need to rebuild, but must field a team in the interim. McGrady’s name and previous life as a superstar will keep things somewhat interesting at The Palace in Auburn Hills.

Meanwhile, the mediocre Pistons are ideal for McGrady. He’ll get the shots, minutes, and touches to re-establish his name and prolong his career.

After all, the Houston Rockets told McGrady to take a hike. And the New York Knicks took a pass after providing an end of year audition in 2010.

So the Pistons would get a distraction. And McGrady would get an opportunity. Sounds like a win-win for all involved.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

In a Friday telephone interview, Donnie Walsh said there were no plans for Isiah Thomas to resume a full-time position with the Knicks. Walsh said Thomas had initiated the discussions on returning to the team in some formal capacity.

"Isiah can help us in the areas that he’ll consult with us in," Walsh said.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Insanity is repeating the same behaviour and expecting a different result.

On the surface, it would appear reasonable to call the New York Knicks decision to re-hire Isiah Thomas insane.

Thomas, of course, decimated the franchise. He traded for Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry. He signed Jerome James for mid-level money. And he got involved in a sexual harassment case.

Why would new Knicks executive Donnie Walsh bring ‘Zeke’ back as an outside consultant? Why would Walsh and this classic franchise seek such drama?   

To be fair, Thomas has always been an astute judge of talent. For instance, he drafted sleepers like blue-collar swingman Trevor Ariza and scoring post David Lee.

Thomas can supposedly relate to today’s players better than Walsh and coach Mike D’Antoni. This apparently helped the club sign pogo-stick free agent Amar’e Stoudemire.

And the Knicks are hoping Thomas’ communication skills can land them two more free agents. Next summer, they want Carmelo Anthony. Two summers from now, they’re scheming on Chris Paul.

Perhaps, this isn’t insanity. Perhaps, this is a calculated risk.       

After all, the Knicks have Thomas on their terms. Most of the time, he’ll be coaching at Florida International University. When needed, he’s available to give his opinion on prospects or help woo free agents.

The Knicks will only be utilizing Thomas’ strengths, and not giving him an opportunity or chance to show his obvious weaknesses as an administrator.

Perhaps this isn’t insanity or even a calculated risk. Public relations aside, this type of ad hoc, casual arrangement could work for the team and Thomas.

--Oly Sandor.

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Shannon Brown is "leaning" toward returning to the Lakers to go for a "three-peat", according to his agent Mark Bartelstein. Brown is expected to make his final decision on Thursday. The free agent has also been considering the Knicks.

"The Knicks did a great job selling Shannon on everything and their vision for him," Bartelstein said. "They did a great job, but the chance to go back and win a third championship for the Lakers is a tough thing to pass up. He'll make a final decision [today]."

Carmelo Anthony is not expected to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer, according to sources close to the situation. "Sources close to the situation don't expect Carmelo Anthony to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer," Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld wrote on his Twitter page.
If Anthony doesn't sign an extension this summer, he'll hit the free agent market next July.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It is risky business -and we're not referring to that bad Tom Cruise flick from the eighties.

Carmelo Anthony could lose millions of dollars if he passes on the Denver Nuggets' three-year, $65 million contract extension and opts for free agency next July.

Of course, July of 2011 is also when the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement expires. After the inevitable lock-out, a new CBA will be ratified, and all players, even superstars such as Anthony, will likely face a pay cut. The length of  their max contracts will also be reduced.

So the Nuggets, along with every team in the league, will have less to offer Anthony.

There's also the stumbling economy. If ticket sales and sponsorships don't improve, the free agent market will sag. The great equalizer is, as always, the New York Knicks. This wealthy franchise has the resources to offer Anthony the largest contract possible under whatever financial system is being used.

Relying on the Knicks is still a risk, though. It's one Anthony seems willing to make. 

--Oly Sandor.

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The Knicks have made a contract offer to Shannon Brown using a portion of their remaining salary-cap room, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

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Eddie House's agent says the veteran guard has agreed to terms on a $2.8 million, two-year contract with the Miami Heat. Agent Mark Bartelstein said Thursday that the second year is a player option.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Catch. Shoot. Pound chest.

This will be Eddie House's official job description with the Miami Heat in 2011. And for his ability as a sharpshooter, for his ability to punish opposing defenses that double-team the Three Kings, House will earn in excess of a million dollars.

However, the journeyman also brings certain intangibles.

In 07 Seconds Or Less - the best seller by CNNSI's Jack McCallum that covers the Phoenix Suns' 2006 season - House was universally loved by teammates and coaches. Same thing with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. 

Once again, the Heat did well with the House signing. He'll do more than 'catch, shoot, and pound chest'. He'll provide some much needed moments of laughter and entertainment.

This will be his unofficial job description.

--Oly Sandor.

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I think that if he comes along he can help our team," Rose said Friday. "A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think he'll help us."

McGrady's effectiveness will depend on his left knee. He had microfracture surgery about a year and a half ago.

The Knicks are willing to trade anyone aside from newly-signed forward Amar'e Stoudemire for Hornets guard Chris Paul, according to a league source.

Paul is scheduled to meet with New Orleans general manager Dell Demps, head coach Monty Williams and president Hugh Weber on Monday.

"Amar'e won't be traded, but everyone else is available," the executive said of New York.

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According to a source with knowledge of his plan, Chris Paul has requested that the Hornets trade him to the Knicks, Magic or Lakers before the season begins.

"He wants out," the source told Ken Berger of CBS Sports. "He wants to play with another superstar. He wants to follow LeBron's model of teaming up with other great players."

Tracy McGrady underwent a physical with the Clippers on Tuesday and was scheduled to work out for the team on Wednesday. It was reported last week that McGrady would work out for the Clippers on Tuesday.

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Wade said he will soon take time to thank the teams that interviewed him during free agency. "I'll send them all gift baskets or something," he said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He still has his sense of humour.

Clearly, Dwyane Wade isn’t troubled by the criticism, backlash, and negative publicity about how he handled free agency, or the conspiracy theorists claims that Bosh, James, and Wade had planned for years to play together with the Miami Heat.

Bottom line: this trio will have a giant bulls-eyes on their backs. They will be public enemy number one. They will be the team everybody loves to hate.

Instead of shying away from this, instead of downplaying, instead of worrying, Wade is embracing the situation.

Of course, he’ll be booed by fans of the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks. They’ll reign down their frustration on Wade when Miami comes to the United Center or Madison Square Gardens.

Why worry about being the villain? Why not enjoy the situation and just win games?

Heck, send the damn gift baskets.

--Oly Sandor.

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The agent for Timofey Mozgov was reportedly told that Eddy Curry, who is in the final season of his contract, will not receive playing time with the Knicks.

Mosgov's agent said that his client was guaranteed a spot on the Knicks' roster, as the backup to center Ronnie Turiaf.

Amar'e Stoudemire, whom the Knicks signed to a maximum-salary contract as a free agent, was apparently assured that he will be used in his natural position at power forward.

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The Knicks have reportedly discussed a sign-and-trade with the Cavs for free agent Shaquille O'Neal.

Reports, however, have O'Neal headed to Atlanta for Marvin Williams. A Knicks source said, "I don't think it would work with us on all kinds of levels."