By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — The Knicks are crying foul on claims that they tampered with Carmelo Anthony during the offseason to get him to come to New York, the New York Post reported.
On Wednesday night, ESPN.com reported that the Nuggets avoided trades with the Knicks because they believed that New York "believe that New York might have done some back-channel recruiting of Anthony over the summer."
New Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire was spotted hanging out with Anthony earlier this month, according to multiple reports — which also reportedly angered the Denver front office.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh denied that the Knicks had done anything wrong, telling the Post, "We didn't do it. This is the first I've heard of it and I've talked to their general manager a couple of times."
The Knicks are hoping to sign Anthony — who has said in the past that he was open to playing in New York — after his contract with Denver expires at the end of this season.
Denver has until February to re-sign its star or risk losing him to free agency. Negotiating a trade before they lose him to free agency could at least give the franchise some building blocks, instead of getting nothing for Anthony if he leaves at the end of this season.
In light of losing out on the LeBron James sweepstakes, signing Anthony, who is considered one of the top players in the league, would be considered a huge victory for the Knicks.
The team has tried to negotiate for the star through a trade, but for now, it appears as Anthony will at least play the first half of the season in Denver.
For now, the star told reporters in Denver he's just concentrating on practicing with his team.
When asked if the trade talks — which have mainly been between the Nets and the Nuggets — Anthony said he was remaining focused on his current squad.
"This is basketball. I focus on basketball — it's something I know how to do and I love to do," he said according to ESPN. "As far as my effort on the court, nobody can question that."
