Free Agency Rumors: Five Lessons Carmelo Anthony is Learning for 2011

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We’re three games into the NBA Finals, but that hasn’t been the overriding story so far.

Without a doubt, this is the Summer of LeBron, and additionally, the Summer of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, and all the amazing talent that’s up for grabs.

The NBA will be drastically different when the first basketballs are tipped in October of 2010, but one superstar will stay with his Denver Nuggets at least through next season—Carmelo Anthony.

In 2006, Melo signed a five-year extension, when LeBron and Dwyane opted for three-year deals that started in 2007-08. And while Anthony is under contract through next season, he could be somewhere other than the Mile High City starting in 2011.

After watching all the craziness surrounding LeBron and the rest of this amazing 2010 class, hopefully Melo is learning a few things.

Don’t get caught up in the hoopla

Every TV station will be blasting your name. Every magazine is going to want you on their cover. Every media personality you talk to will ask you the same question—where are you going to play?

Take yourself away from the madness.

Head up to the beautiful Rocky Mountains for a few days and get away from it all. Go on vacation out of the country.

Whatever it takes to keep from becoming drowned in the frenzy of flattering fellows.

Stay true to yourself

Make sure whatever you do, it’s true to yourself.

There’s no doubt that hundreds, even thousands of people close to you will be telling you to do one thing or another.

“Go to Chicago,” they might say. “Head to Brooklyn with Jay-Z,” someone may suggest.

Only Carmelo knows what’s best for himself and his family, and maybe some time away will clear his head and help him figure out where that will be.

More money doesn’t mean a better situation

Sure, signing with a new team may mean more money, but it doesn’t mean a better coach, teammates, city etc.

Carmelo has a tremendous thing going for him in Denver.

He and head coach George Karl have a strong relationship, and Melo has learned a great deal from the wise old coach.

The Nuggets have done everything in their power to surround Anthony with talented teammates. From Kenyon Martin to Marcus Camby, Allen Iverson to Chauncey Billups—there’s a litany of great players the Nuggets front office has brought in.

And as far as the city goes, it’s a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Plus, Denver loves Carmelo Anthony and that he’s brought winning basketball back to the Rockies.

Call his own mini-summit

There was a rumor floating around that LeBron, Dwyane, Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh would call a superstar summit to meet with each other, but it never happened.

Really though, it’s not a bad idea.

If Melo isn’t signed by 2011, when he can terminate his contract early, why not get together with Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan to see what their plans are?

Who knows, maybe two or more would enjoy balling with one another?

Melo at the two, the Durantula at the three, and Timmy at power forward?

Sounds like the makings of a championship starting five to me.

Forget free agency, just sign an extension now

News broke early Monday morning in the Denver Post that Carmelo is looking into signing a contract extension with the Nuggets now, again forgoing free agency for the comforts of Denver.

“We’ll see what happens. I think my agent (Leon Rose) is going to talk to them in a week or so. And if there’s something on the table, then we’ll go to the table and see what’s the best situation for me.”

The Nuggets made it to the Western Conference Finals against Los Angeles a year ago, but it was the only time Melo has made it out of the first round of the playoffs in his seven tries.

Still, Billups, Martin, and Nene, among others, are under contract for next season at least, and with George Karl will be coming back healthy and hungry for a championship.