Knicks fans don't have to convince Anthony

This wasn't The LeBron Experience. This wasn't a desperate crowd begging for a savior, wearing customized jerseys and cheering every move made by a superstar who has come to visit.

The reception Carmelo Anthony received from a raucous Garden crowd during the Knicks' 129-125 win over the Nuggets Sunday, the team's eighth straight win and 13th in their last 14, was more of a simple invitation:

Hey, why don't you come join this party we're having here? We're really happy with our one star, Amar'e Stoudemire, but we'd sure love to have you, too.

With a grin he can't hide, it's pretty obvious Carmelo doesn't need much convincing. "They're really rolling right now," Anthony said of the red-hot Knicks (16-9).

Unlike the two-year LeBronathon, which proved to be fruitless when he flirted with Knicks fans but bypassed New York to take his talents to South Beach, this ongoing Melopalooza seems to be heading to a much different result. It's not a matter of if, but when.

According to reports last night on ESPN.com and CBSSports.com, Anthony might have expedited things by informing the Nuggets he will sign an extension only in a trade to the Knicks. Asked before the game if he would be accommodating if Anthony made a request to be sent to a specific team, Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri said, "That's part of my discussions with Melo that I will not discuss publicly."

Ujiri disclosed he did meet with Knicks officials this weekend. "Obviously, in our business, I have to," he said.

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Earlier in this process, when word started to leak from Anthony's camp that he was in a New York State of Mind, the signals sent by the Nuggets were that the Knicks didn't have an enticing trade piece.

Wilson Chandler, who had 27 points in what should have been an eye-opening performance for Denver, said he isn't at all offended: "No. I don't want to go to Denver, so no."

If the Knicks trade for Anthony, someone has to go. Danilo Gallinari, who had a strong two-way game - scoring 16 points and drawing a key offensive foul on Anthony late - is more likely a key piece. But with Anthony somewhat in control of his destination, it does help the Knicks for him to use that leverage to specifically request New York.

The Nuggets would be forced to work out a deal with the Knicks, who wouldn't have to give up as much as they would if there were competition.

Still, without a no-trade clause, Denver could create a competitive market by offering Anthony to a contender that would take him in a mercenary role to make a championship run, then either convince him to sign an extension after the season or move him in a sign-and-trade in the offseason.

Ujiri, who in his first season as GM went quickly from christening to crucible, sat courtside before the game and acknowledged that he can't allow to happen to his franchise what happened to the Cavaliers, who went through last season with blinders on, foolishly gambling that LeBron eventually would re-sign.

"Yes, there's always something you can learn from there, but I'm in my own situation here," the 39-year-old Ujiri said. "I have to deal with my own situation, but yes, there's plenty to learn."

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