hey're not called the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes for nothing. And it appears they have indeed begun. According to a front-office source who has recently spoken with Denver about trading its reportedly disgruntled small forward, the Nuggets are fielding trade offers for Anthony for the first time in a manner that is nothing short of lottery-style. "Send it in," league executives are being told of their proposals for the three-time All-Star who can be a free agent next summer. Then, very much like that contest you sign up for at the local grocery store, you simply hope the phone rings and the caller names you the lucky winner (or at least wants to discuss the fine print). On the flip side, contestants shouldn't expect a call back unless the offer sparks genuine intrigue. The Nuggets, the source told FanHouse, have made it clear they have interest in top-tier young players, future first-round draft picks, young assets (i.e. high-upside players with relatively-affordable contracts), and salary-cap savings. Denver has a payroll for the coming season of approximately $83 million, far beyond the salary cap of $58,044,000 million and well into the league's luxury tax territory of $70,307,000. Read more: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/09/20/source-denver-listening-to-trade-offers-for-carmelo-anthony/
