The owners will propose a new "Carmelo Rule" that would prevent teams from using a Larry Bird exception to sign or extend a player acquired by trade unless they are acquired before July 1 of the final season of the player's contract.

The Knicks were able to acquire Anthony near the February deadline and sign him to an extension.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, New York's Carmelo Anthony, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Boston's Paul Pierce are among the star players scheduled to attend in support of the union's executive committee, which includes New Orleans' Chris Paul.

David Stern said Wednesday the owners and players "are not near a deal," but there is a level of optimism around the league.

Carmelo Anthony underwent surgery on his left knee, as well as a procedure on his elbow.

Anthony said it was the first time in his life he's had surgery.

"I did both of them," Anthony said about the surgery in May. "They were bothering me seven years."

Anthony said the procedures came at the same time. 

Anthony has been playing a barnstorming tour during the lockout and is four pounds lighter than he was during the 10-11 season.

"I would be coming back at training camp, if there is one, less than than I left last year," Anthony said. " I feel good mentally and physically. My mindset is about starting next week. That's where my mindset is at and body is at. Games are fun for charity, but at the same time we want to get something out of it."

Amar'e Stoudemire is working out at Florida International, where Isiah Thomas is the school's head coach.

Joe Johnson is another player who works out at FIU, which is located in Miami.

Amar'e Stoudemire is excited about the addition of Mike Woodson to the Knicks' coaching staff.

"I think it's great," Stoudemire said Wednesday. "It's definitely what we talked about, improving defensively. With the help of Mike (Woodson) it's going to be really positive for us. But it's up to us as players to take that commitment and implement it."

The front office wanted Mike D'Antoni to hire a defensive coach following their four-game sweep in the playoffs at the hands of the Celtics.

"For us to win a championship, defense has to be a primary force," Stoudemire added. "It has to be something that we focus in on. Everyone has to buy into it and everyone has to become much better."

Amar'e Stoudemire is not fully recovering from his back injury endured during Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs and a delay to the start of the season could allow him to fully recover.

In June, Stoudemire admitted to reporters he was "sore" and a "bit tight."

Stoudemire is approximately '90% healthy', according to a source, but may not be available to begin the season if it started on time.

Stoudemire was originally diagnosed with a back spasm, but later discovered it was a pulled muscle.

Starting Monday, dozens of pro players are expected to compete in an NBA-only league in Las Vegas, according to longtime trainer Joe Abunassar, a driving force behind the league.

Among the 40 or so players currently committed to playing are Knicks guard Chauncey Billups, Knicks forward Shawnie Williams and New York rookie guard Iman Shumpert.

Others include Wizards guard John Wall, Memphis forward Zach Randolph, Bucks guard Stephen jackson and Nuggets forward Al Harrington.