By Jim Scott
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — Apparently New York Knicks owner James Dolan thinks he can close the deal on Carmelo Anthony.
Dolan has taken on a larger role in the Knicks attempts to pry Anthony away from the Denver Nuggets, the Daily News reported.
Dolan reached out to Denver owner Stan Kroenke in an attempt to seal a deal that would bring Anthony to the Knicks before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 24, the News reported.
Dolan historically has stayed tried to maintain a hands-off image with the team's personnel moves. However, his reported involvement could be a sign that the teams are close to a deal, a source told the paper.
"And I would also think that at this point everyone is looking to take credit if Carmelo comes to New York," a Knicks source told the News.
New York's GM Donnie Walsh had reportedly been talking with the Nuggets about a three-team trade that would put Anthony in a Knicks uniform. The Knicks would send forward Anthony Randolph and center Eddy Curry's expiring contract to the Minnesota Timberwolves and forward Wilson Chandler to the Nuggets, according to a an ESPN report. Minnesota would send guard Corey Brewer and a 2011 first round draft pick to Denver and the Knicks would get Anthony.
New York may also have to include rookie Andy Rautins and injured forward Kelenna Azubuike as part of the deal, the New York Post reported.
The three-team deal may be held up by Chandler's health. The 23-year-old forward has been nursing a sore calf and has a history of leg injuries. Chandler has had two surgeries on his left ankle, including one before the start of this season to clean out scar tissue, the Post reported.
Anthony didn't hurt his trade value Monday night when he scored 50 points for the Nuggets in a losing effort against the Houston Rockets. The All-Star forward will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season unless he signs and extension with the Nuggets. Anthony has expressed a desire to play in New York, scaring off other teams.
The Nuggets also may be having second thoughts about a Knicks offer that is far less enticing than an offer by the New Jersey Nets last month. The Nets offer reportedly included rookie Derek Favors, guard Devin Harris and three first round draft picks.
"At the end of the day, it’s all up to Denver," a source involved in the trade talks told the Post.
