NBA: Carmelo Anthony addresses Amare Stoudemire text & Nets
Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
In the arena he could have called his temporary home, Carmelo Anthony added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing MeloDrama by saying he never received a text message from Amare Stoudemire telling him he wants Anthony to play alongside him in New York.
“I’ve read that, that he supposedly texted me,” Anthony said after scoring 37 points in a 115-99 loss to the New Jersey Nets. “I didn’t get it. I didn’t get that text.”
Anthony’s comment refuted a report by Yahoo! Sports from mid-January that the Knicks All-Star forward had reached out to Anthony via text message after hearing Anthony express doubts that the Knicks even wanted him. But Anthony limited his comments Monday night to whether a text message was sent and/or received, and he did not address whether he had spoken with any members of the Knicks.
New York has continued to pursue a trade for Anthony, knowing they are Anthony’s preferred destination, but neither Anthony nor Denver coach George Karl would assign a probability percentage regarding where they expect the four-time All-Star to be playing on Feb. 25 — the day after the NBA trade deadline.
Monday night’s loss ended a 3-2 Eastern road swing for the Nuggets, dropping their record to 28-20. They remain in playoff position in the Western Conference, and both Anthony and coach George Karl spoke of the possibility that Anthony may end up finishing the season in Denver before re-assessing his options.
“I have always felt from the way beginning of the season that the chance of that happening was far greater than all you all thought — of being with our team the whole year,” Karl said. “I just felt that way from the first day of training camp, from September, I’ve always felt that way. I’m trying to be prepared for anything, but if that happens we can get excited about being a very, very good team.
Asked why he believes an Anthony trade is not a fait accompli, Karl responded: “Just my experiences in the NBA. Making a big trade in the middle of the season is not an easy thing to do.”
Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri and vice team president John Kroenke attended Monday night’s game, but Anthony said he hadn’t spoken to either of them in recent days about new developments.
Anthony all but closed the door on the possibility of being dealt to the New Jersey Nets, saying Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov seemed genuine when he pulled the Nets out of the bidding nearly two weeks ago, bringing an abrupt halt to multi-team trade talks that had been ongoing since the beginning of training camp.
“Prokhorov took a load off a lot of guys on the Nets and the Nuggets, and now guys can just go out there and play and see what’s the next steps from here,” Anthony said. “He took a real strong stance by holding that press conference straight off the plane. Obviously, he felt strongly that this wasn’t going to happen.”
One of the suspected reasons for the end of trade talks with the Nets was Anthony’s supposed disinterest in meeting with New Jersey’s brass, a rumor refuted by Anthony on Monday.
“I would take that meeting. As far as anything else, I really can’t speak on that,” Anthony said while remaining non-commital about his desire to sign an extension with Denver before playing for the Nets.
“I really don’t know where that came from, as far as if I was to come here the extension wasn’t going to be signed. I really don’t know who started that,” Anthony said. “There’s a lot of things that are being said out there that I don’t know where they came from. Sources, I guess. As far as the extension, if that trade were to go through, who knows what would’ve happened. I can’t really answer that.”
Asked what he believes the next step may be, Anthony pleaded ignorance.
The Nuggets have been exploring trade options because they fear losing Anthony with nothing in return if he opts out of his contract after this season and becomes an unrestricted free agent. But nobody in the NBA knows what the free agency rules will be when a new collective bargaining agreement is in place, and Anthony could be risking several million dollars if he indeed opts out of the $18 million he is due to receive next year and refuses to sign the nearly $65 million, three-year extension that would keep him under contract through the 2014-15 season.
“The CBA is in the back of my mind, but as far as being a free agent to play this out, if that’s what it’s going to take, then so be it. I’m with that,” Anthony said. “If it’s playing this year out and then going back to the drawing table, sitting down with Denver and trying to figure it out, or if I basically move on, I’m willing to do that.
“If I sit here and say I’m willing to lose 15 or 20 million dollars, I’d be lying to you,” Anthony said. “But at the same time this has never been about money. In my career so far I think I’ve made enough money. Now I’m focused on trying to win a championship. That’s the only thing that’s on my plate and on my mind right now.”
The Nets did have one surprise awaiting Anthony when Denver’s team bus arrived.
Placed strategically along the hallway leading to the visiting locker room, and again in the hallway leading from the locker room to the court, were poster-sized artists’ renditions of what the Nets’ new arena in Brooklyn will look like when completed, plus one photo showing the construction progress made thus far.
“That was interesting,” Anthony said. “That was interesting.”
Chris Sheridan covers the NBA for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Follow Chris Sheridan on Twitter:Â @csheridanespn
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
THE BLOG
HOT 97
LINKS
MUSIC
Bobby Konders Presents: Massive B Legacy, Vol. 1
Release Date: November 19th, 2018 Bobby Konders Presents: Massive B Legacy – Volume 1 is now available and includes ten features on ten tracks. Burro Banton, Vybez Kartel, Bounty Killa, Sizzla, T.O.K., Elephantman, Richie Spice, Chezidek, Chronicle, and King Kong. You can listen on Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal.
#MusicStillMatters New Music: A Boogie – Nice For What
A boogie gave fans a snippet of this one via his instagram. Finally after all the request to drop the full version from fans – here it is. Check A Boogie’s version of “Nice For What.” Listen below.
#MusicStillMatters New Music: Dave East – Imagine
Dave East is set to release the 2nd installment of his “Karma” series, next week on July 27. Check out this new one off the tape called “Imagine.” Listen below.
#MusicStillMatters New Music: 070 Shake – Accusations
The G.O.O.D. Music rookie 070 Shake releases a new one called “Accusations.” Listen below.
(Video) Tony James – Sweat Slow
Toronto’s very own Tony James has released his major label debut single and visual for “Sweat Slow.” Tony says this one “Is about the one that got away, so we wanted to show the beautiful, happy women representing the ex-girlfriends of the men who took them for granted.” Look out for more from Tony this…
#MusicStillMatters New Music: Childish Gambino – Summertime Magic / Feels Like Summer
Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover follows up his video/song “This Is America” with not only one, but two records for the summer. The “Atlanta” creator tweeted “summer pack,” with a link to his songs, “Summertime Magic” and “Feels Like Summer.”
#MusicStillMatters Stream: Meek Mill – Legends Of The Summer
Meek Mill decided to treat his fans to new music when he dropped a new EP called “Legends of the Summer.” the 4-track tape features Swizz Beatz, Jeremih and PNB Rock. Stream below.
#MusicStillMatters Stream: Future – Beast Mode 2
Future links up with Zaytoven for the follow up to 2015’s “Beast Mode” titled “Beast Mode 2” which includes 9 tracks with a feature from Young Scooter. Listen below.
#MusicStillMatters New Music: T-Pain – Boo’d Up (Remix)
First it was Nicki Minaj and Quavo who put their touch on the track to mixed reviews. Then Fabolous laid his verse on the hit single. Now, T-Pain decided to give his take on the track. Listen below.
TECH TALK
We Know What YG’s Next Purchase Will Be: This ALL RED Special Edition iPhone!
An all red iPhone is on the way – I’m sure much to the delight of the Bloods. LOL! A special edition red version of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have been introduced, in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Apple’s partnership with HIV/AIDS organization, (Red).
(Video) Apple Unveils New Spaceship Campus Called “Apple Park”
One of Steve Jobs projects he left behind before his untimely death from pancreatic cancer, was the Apple spaceship campus. Take a look.
(Video) Lil Wayne Featured In EA’s ‘Need For Speed: No Limits’ Game
While we still have no Carter 5 in sight, we can at least get SOMETHING from Lil Wayne in the form of EA’s new mobile game, Need For Speed: No Limits. Players can drive as Weezy in the game, and both his voice and likeness are there for fans to enjoy. Tune is also working…
Sprint Purchases 33% Stake In Jay-Z’s Tidal
Power moves on power moves on top of power moves. Hov just struck a big deal for Tidal and the artists who have stake in the company as well, through Sprint.
(Video) Travis Scott Previews New Heat On Snapchat
Looks like Travis Scott is cooking something up…Astroworld this year?
Azealia Banks Has Been Banned From Facebook
AzealiaBanksVEVO Well, that took longer than expected.
(Video + Photo) Ariana Grande Got Her Own Character In “Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius” Game
Soon you’ll be able to play as Ariana in Final Fantasy and she broke the news to her fans yesterday.
SoundCloud Makes A Major Update That MANY People Will Be Happy About!
When SoundCloud first came out, it quickly became a hub for DJs, uploading their mixes and gaining a decent following because of it. However, as labels became more hip to the new site, they began issuing copyright infringements left to right, and DJs began leaving the streaming website in droves – especially because their accounts…
MARISA EXPLAINS IT ALL
Marisa Mendez x Jamal x Tunisia – Marisa Explains It All [Episode 16: “Holiday Hangover”]
We’ve made it to episode 16 of my podcast, Marisa Explains It All, and I finally decided to share it with you guys here. LOL! On this episode, we pre-gamed before the Ebro In The Morning holiday party…and uh, yeah. Drunk talk and feelings were at an all time high. Our music picks are as…
Behind The Lyrics: Lil Wayne Admits To Botched Suicide Attempt As A Child On “London Roads”
Lil Wayne has long recounted a story of “accidentally” shooting himself when he was 12, playing with a 9 mm handgun. Thankfully, an off-duty cop was around to help young Tune, and he survived to become the rap star he is today. Apparently, that wasn’t the whole story, though! On “London Roads”, a song from…
(Video) Machine Gun Kelly Finally Opens Up About Amber Rose
Machine Gun Kelly is one of my favorite artists and has been a good friend of mine for years now, so it was double the blessing to make my Hot 97 interview debut with him on Ebro In The Morning today! The Bad Boy rapper stopped by to discuss his new single and its powerful…
Behind The Lyrics: Wiz Khalifa Comes For Amber’s Neck On “For Everybody”
Last night, Juicy J dropped his Wiz Khalifa-assisted single “For Everybody,” and boy did Wiz have some choice words for his ex Amber Rose on the track! And to drive the point home, they included a photo of themselves at his wedding to Amber as the song’s artwork.
(Video) Honey Cocaine Plays A Hilarious Game Of Taboo
Toronto-bred raptress Honey Cocaine made her rounds at Hot 97 a few weeks back, promoting her latest mixtape Like A Drug, and its 2 singles, “Gwola” featuring Kid Ink and Maino, and “None Of My Business” with Kirko Bangz and Constantine. Following her dope interview with Jen From BK for Jen’s “Ladies First” segment, I…
Interview: Machine Gun Kelly On Debut Film: “I hope that it kind of strikes a social issue…” [PLUS Details On Sophomore Album!]
This Friday, Colson ‘MGK‘ Baker will make his big-screen debut, starring as Kid Culprit in the romantic drama, Beyond The Lights. Since his 2012 Bad Boy/Interscope debut Lace Up and his breakout single “Wild Boy,” Kells has toured the world and shot not only Beyond The Lights, but two more as-of-yet unreleased films as well.…
Elijah Blake Gives 7 Tips How NOT To Act Around A Celeb, Plus Talks New EP, His First Big Check & More!
Singer/songwriter Elijah Blake has worked with a majority of the biggest names in the music business from Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Usher, Mary J and more, either having written for them or being featured on their songs. Now with his recently released Drift EP (available on iTunes here,) the talented Def Jam signee sat down to…
IFWT Exclusive: Maino Gives Us The REAL Story Of What Happened With The Porn Star!
Maino is currently being sought out by the NYPD for questioning, after an adult film star accused him of assaulting her inside of his truck after they partied at Griffin on Monday night with Drake, Ashanti, JR Smith and more. According to the police report filed by the porn star, Mellanie Monroe, “he started punching…
Mila J Reveals The Real Deal Between Her & A Rumored Beau, Plus Talks New EP, Diet/Workout, Her Mains & More!
Gorgeous singer/songwriter/dancer Mila J finally released her debut EP M.I.L.A. (Made In L.A.) yesterday, after years of trying out girl groups, various solo ventures, random day jobs and the like. She’s finally found her niche now though, and has seen success with her latest singles, “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up” and the Ty Dolla $ign-assisted, “My Main.”…
Love the pic but damn dude I can’t read the article cuz of the black background. 🙁