Denver rebuffed the New York Knicks' initial attempts to discuss a trade for Carmelo Anthony, according to a report in The New York Times.

"In preliminary conversations, the Nuggets have told the Knicks that they do not possess the assets they are seeking if they decide to trade Anthony, according to a Knicks official.  The official did not want to be identified because he was describing private conversations between the teams."

The Knicks are therefore hoping that Anthony does not sign a contract extension this season, so they can pursue him as a free agent next summer.

An executive on another team told The Times that Anthony's first choice is to end up with the Knicks.

"That executive, who does not work for the Knicks, said Anthony would prefer to go to New York, suggesting he might refuse to sign an extension with other teams. But the executive also said the Nets could be intriguing to Anthony because they are headed to Brooklyn."