Nuggets’ Loss, Knicks’ Gain? Carmelo Anthony Opens Up About Career-Altering Trade Decision.
In a stunning revelation, NBA icon Carmelo Anthony recently disclosed that contrary to popular belief, the New York Knicks were never his intended trade destination following his departure from the Denver Nuggets in February of 2011. The bombshell admission came during an episode of “The Why with Dwyane Wade,” where Anthony clarified the circumstances surrounding his blockbuster trade.
At the time, Anthony found himself at the center of trade speculation, with New York widely reported as his preferred destination. However, according to the 10-time All-Star, he never actively pursued a move to the Big Apple.
“People think that I went in there and was like, ‘Get me out of here’ to Denver. That never was the case,” Anthony asserted, setting the record straight on his trade saga.
Reflecting on his tenure with the Nuggets, Anthony’s sentiment towards the franchise was one of loyalty and dedication. Drafted third overall in the 2003 NBA draft, Anthony etched his name into Nuggets history, ranking third on the team’s all-time scoring list with an impressive 13,970 points.
Despite his individual success, Anthony’s time in Denver was marred by playoff disappointments, with the team failing to advance past the first round on all but one occasion. Frustrated by the front office’s inability to build a championship-caliber team around him, Anthony felt compelled to explore new opportunities.
However, Anthony’s desire to remain in Denver remained steadfast. He expressed his reluctance to leave the city he had called home for seven-and-a-half seasons, emphasizing his preference for a long-term stay with the Nuggets.
Yet, faced with the prospect of a looming rebuild orchestrated by the Nuggets’ front office, Anthony felt compelled to consider alternative options. The departure of key veterans and signs of impending roster restructuring prompted Anthony to initiate discussions about his future with the franchise.
“I don’t want to go, but if y’all going to rebuild, it’s time for me to go somewhere else,” Anthony recalled telling the Nuggets’ management, shedding light on the pivotal moment that ultimately led to his departure.
While Anthony’s departure from Denver marked the end of an era, it also set the stage for a new chapter in his illustrious career. Despite the uncertainties that followed his trade to the Knicks, Anthony’s legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history endures, serving as a testament to his undeniable talent and unwavering determination.
As fans reflect on Anthony’s journey and the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, one thing remains clear: his impact on the game of basketball transcends team allegiances and trade rumors, solidifying his place among the pantheon of basketball legends.
“New York never was the place, though,” Anthony said. “People think that I went in there and was like, ‘Get me out of here’ to Denver. That never was the case.”
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“Contrary to what anybody believes, I never wanted to leave Denver,” Anthony said. “I never told people that. … But it’s like they put my back against the wall.”
