Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Will James Dolan Botch The Knicks/Carmelo Deal?
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 9, 2011
Modified Feb 9, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 9, 2011
Modified Feb 9, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
After months of speculation, innuendo, rejected deals and hurt feelings, Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony reportedly only wants to sign a contract extension with the Knicks, according to his agent. So what could possibly jinx a deal, when everybody knows exactly what everyone wants? James Dolan.
The MSG president and Isiah Thomas-aficionado is so hyped on bringing Anthony to the Knicks, he's reportedly inserted himself into the negotiation process. According to the News, Dolan has had direct negotiations with Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke. It's slightly usual for ownership to get involved with such deals (with certain exceptions—see: Mark Cuban), which sources believe indicate the seriousness of the talks. One Knicks source said it's all about bragging rights: "And I would also think that at this point everyone is looking to take credit if Carmelo comes to New York."
But it seems that as soon as Dolan entered the picture, so too did the Lakers—ESPN reports that the Lakers have begun seriously floating oft-injured star Andrew Bynum as a possible trade piece to bring Carmelo to L.A. And now even more complications and competitors have arisen: a source says Denver plans to wait as close to the trading deadline (Feb. 24) as possible to field other offers. The Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are all expected to make offers soon.
Some naysayers are now wondering whether the offensive-minded Anthony would even be a good fit for NY: "Call it a rich man’s version of picking up Stephon Marbury." And then there's the saddest casualty of the potential Knicks/Nuggets trade: fourth-year forward Wilson Chandler, who has been having a productive, healthy season (averaging 16.4 ppg), is bummed about all the trade talks, and his potential involvement. "I'd like to stay. I like the city. I like being here. I like being part of this team," he told reporters over the weekend.
Tagged
basketball
carmelo anthony
deals
james dolan
jinx
knicks
nba
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: New Jersey considering a ban on chewing gum because of microplastics
Because New Jersey is just trying to keep its people safe, here are your early links: Early voters get a spooky sticker, Tom Hanks returning to Broadway, a time capsule letter to the NYC mayor in 2026 and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 8:48 a.m. ET
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
Sukken Wong, 62, allegedly stabbed her nonverbal son, Byran Wong, 25, to death.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
Sukken Wong, 62, allegedly stabbed her nonverbal son, Byran Wong, 25, to death.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress
By
Walter Wuthmann
,
Jon Campbell
and
Brigid Bergin
Forest Hills Stadium can keep its concerts under deal with neighbors
By
Ryan Kost
NYC Council to grill Mamdani officials on collapsed Hunts Point Produce Market deal
By
Elizabeth Kim
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .