The Nuggets' new general manager, Masai Ujiri, told The Associated Press Friday night that his top priority is to try to keep Carmelo Anthony with the franchise.

"Of course, that's going to be the priority," Ujiri said. "Melo is a great player, I think arguably a top-5 player in the NBA. ... It's a challenge, but I'll meet with Melo at some point. He's in China and he'll come back in the next couple of days. So, we'll set something up."

Ujiri understands that Anthony faces a major decision.

"I think that Melo maybe sometimes he goes through this in his mind and says, 'Should I stay? Should I go?' That's natural with somebody of his caliber and obviously sometimes he'll have his frustrations," Ujiri said. "But we love Melo. The city loves Melo. The players, the coaches."

Ujiri's previous position in Toronto exposed him to a similar predicament where the team's marquee player did not sign the extension offered him.

"I just came from the Chris Bosh situation with the Toronto Raptors, so I can relate to how difficult it is on both sides," Ujiri said. "Obviously with management, with coaching, with the player himself."