Sam Amick writes that it is not an option for the Nuggets to lose Carmelo Anthony next summer without compensation, or to trade him to a Western Conference team that is willing to deal for Anthony without a contract extension.

"There's really only two things that (Masai Ujiri) can do that will guarantee this comes back on him," said a source close to the Nuggets. "Not trading him and losing him for nothing is one, or having that happen (referring to losing him long-term to a Western Conference team on the cheap)."

Amick portrays the standoff as a blinking contest between Anthony, who only wants to end up in New York, and the Nuggets, who prefer to deal him to New Jersey.

Amick writes that the New York front office remains confident that Anthony will be in a Knick uniform sooner or later.

League sources tell Amick that Denver plans to hold on to Anthony until close to the trade deadline to ensure that the Nuggets receive the best possible return.