A four-way deal that would have sent Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey is “dead,” a person with knowledge of the discussions said Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the trade.
Anthony took the court with his Nuggets teammates on the first day of training camp Tuesday. But his days in Denver could very well be numbered even after the four-team deal that also would have included Charlotte and Utah collapsed.
The Nuggets could still listen to offers.
Anthony said after practice that the basketball court has become his “safe haven,” a place where he doesn’t have to “deal with all the other stuff.”
“Every time I get in the gym my mind just focuses on working out, getting better, not thinking about too much,” Anthony said.
Following the more than two-hour workout, Nuggets coach George Karl gave Anthony an “A” for his effort, saying he thought his star was “very professional, very mature.”
Karl remains hopeful that Anthony will stick around.
Anthony has yet to sign off on a three-year, $65 million extension that’s been on the table since June, leading the Nuggets to explore trade options. The potential deal involving the New Jersey Nets hit a road block over the weekend and then withered Tuesday.
“The perfect storm in my mind is to keep Melo, convince him that this is the best place for him, that this is where he has to win a championship,” Karl said.
Read more details via AP on NBA.com
