George Karl had been holding out hope that the Nuggets could keep Carmelo Anthony, but after learning of Monday night's trade with the Knicks the coach admitted that he was relieved.

"I'm glad its over. I'm glad it's an opportunity to reinvent," Karl said. "I think everybody handled it as classy as you could handle it. There's some sadness to it, there always will be."

Denver also traded Chauncey Billups to New York in the blockbuster deal.

"I think Chauncey will go down as one of the greatest winners," Karl said. "His record of what, eight, seven, eight conference finals? That's incredible. That's who he is and what he stands for.

"I think there are many people, including myself, that will be sad for Chauncey. I know he loves Denver and we love him.

"But things happen and decisions have to be made, and I'm 100 percent behind the decision that we made, even though it will be dangerous and won't be the veteran point guard back there."

Karl said his hope is that the Nuggets will still make the playoffs.