Henry Abbott: Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets agree – on waiting

Henry Abbott, one of the most stringent reporters around when it comes to quoting anonymous sources, is predicting the Nuggets won’t trade Carmelo Anthony until close to the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Abbott says the Nuggets and Anthony want to wait on the trade, even though the Nets and Pistons are ready to deal.

Why Anthony wants to wait:

"Sources say Anthony would likely sign an extension with the Nets if that proves to be the best way he can get closer to his East coast roots. But as presently constructed they’re nobody’s dream destination. Perhaps another option will emerge. Anthony has no reason not to let the process play itself out, on the off-chance another team comes up with a strong offer."

Why the Nuggets want to wait:

"For one thing, it’s hard to see what could happen to make the Nets’ current offer disappear. Derrick Favors is playing behind Kris Humphries in New Jersey, and unlikely to increase his market value drastically."

"It sounds a little out there, but one thought is that the longer the Nuggets keep Anthony from the Nets, the better that Nets’ pick is likely to be."