Carmelo Anthony Stays in Denver, But for How Long?

When Carmelo Anthony’s name was uttered the fans greeted him with standing ovation and some heavy applause throughout the Pepsi Center. It was like witnessing David Blaine doing his death defying acts and was greeted with every move in applause and appreciation, when Melo rebounds, shoots or just doing nothing the crowd praises him. Even though Melo has yet to sign the three-year contract extension worth $65 million that has been Denver’s constant offer since June.

 The fans are just happy to see Melo still wearing the Nuggets uniform.

A Month or days before, the disgruntled Carmelo wanted out of Denver. There were trade talks about a deal with the New Jersey Nets with an offer for Derrick Favors, expiring contracts for Troy Murphy and Kris Humphries and a first round future draft pick. There were also offers from the Chicago Bulls but quickly died out when the Nuggets demanded Joakim Noah to be part of the trade.
The only hindrance to the trade with the Nets was Anthony’s hesitance in signing a contract extension with them. His willingness to commit a long term contract may have something to do with forming a big three with Chris Paul and Amare Stoudemire in New York or when Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, Arron Affalo and Nene’s contracts expires at the end of the season and Chauncy Billups uncertainty contract because the Nuggets can pay him only $3.7 million of his $14.2 million salary in 2011-2012 if he’s waived at the end of the season.  Melo wanted out first. He wanted a winning team and a bright future just like what Lebron did on the “Decision”. He wanted stability but teams also wanted one thing from him and that is commitment. There are no easy way, no short cuts in winning.

Melo stop thinking about his future and decided to concentrate on his last year of his contract. The fans appreciated how he opted to stay and give Denver a second chance. Denver loves him unconditionally and Melo wants to reciprocate their love by staying…

The fans applauded, cheered and praised Melo on their preseason win against Portland. It was a perfect ending to the roller coaster ride that could have ended in a big mistake for Denver in trading Anthony. But behind those smiles and cheers somehow still left with apprehension, there are no assurance they would keep Melo at the end of the season but beyond that dark cloud a silver lining still flickers…

Denver still has one full season to persuade him.