While the stars of the 2010 NBA free-agent class have a lot to ponder, so does the potential star of the 2011 class — the Nuggets have offered Carmelo Anthony a three-year, $65 million contract extension, an NBA source said.
The Nuggets’ all-star now has to decide if he should take the security or wait a year and try to get a longer contract as a free agent — either with the Nuggets or any number of NBA teams.
Yahoo Sports first broke the story.
Anthony will also have to consider the potential lockout after the 2010-11 season. It’s possible, if the NBA gets its wish, that the value of maximum salaries will be decreased. So with money on the table, this could be a safe move for Melo, who has often said he loves the Denver community.
On Wednesday, Anthony couldn’t be reached for comment, but this month at the NBA Finals, Anthony said of a potential contract extension, “We’ll go to the table and see what’s the best situation for me.” Of the Nuggets, he said, “We have pieces.” He said he would be happy with the addition of “one of two more pieces that’ll work out.” The Nuggets’ nucleus is all under contract for next season.
Asked if the current Nuggets roster can win a championship, Anthony said: “Obviously it didn’t happen this year. They definitely need to add something, definitely.”
Anthony was elected as an All-Star Game starter last season and was named second-team all-NBA. However, the Nuggets lost in the first round of the playoffs. Two seasons ago, he led the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
