Carmelo could force trade to Knicks this season: report

It seems more and more likely Carmelo Anthony will not sign a contract extension with the Nuggets, which likely will force the team to trade him, perhaps to the Knicks.

ESPN.com reported last night that Anthony is "going to make it real clear that he's not coming back" to Denver, according to an NBA source.

"Both Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke and Anthony already are well aware that they don't have a future together, sources say. That became clear to Kroenke at a reception after Anthony's July 11 (wedding) to La La Vasquez in Manhattan," the report says.

 Carmelo 'better fit than LeBron' for the Knicks


 Not only does Carmelo Anthony apparently have his heart set on playing in New York, but a close confidant of the NBA superstar told The Post yesterday that he is a better fit for the Big Apple than LeBron James.

"Nothing would bother him," the confidant said of Anthony playing here. "The media wouldn't bother him because he really likes people. The pressure wouldn't bother him because he loves to have the game in his hands. Nothing bothers him."

 Candidates selling Melo in pursuit of Knicks job

The Knicks' controversial attempt to hire Isiah Thomas as a consultant hasn't dissuaded candidates from pitching themselves as the right man for a job that team president Donnie Walsh has left vacant since he was hired two years ago -- a day-to-day GM who eventually would succeed him. The latest twist, according to sources familiar with the situation, has potential candidates angling to present themselves to Walsh and Garden chairman James Dolan as the man who is capable of delivering Carmelo Anthony as a free agent next summer.

 Knicks go all in to claim King


When Donnie Walsh was hired as president of the New York Knicks in April 2008, his first priority was to slash a roster high on salary and low on production.

The Knicks' payroll had escalated to more than $130 million in 2005-06, easily the league's highest, under team president Isaiah Thomas. All that cash resulted in just 23 victories.

Walsh knew of the marquee free-agent class coming this summer, headlined by LeBron James. He had two years to get the Knicks under the salary cap, so he took a calculated risk few others in New York have ever dared to try — go slowly and rebuild.

 Knicks' D'Antoni already busting at seams with LeBron possibility

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni is feeling good these days about the Knicks' future, feeling almost like a King.

The sense throughout the Knick organization is the Cavaliers' stunning second-round ouster against Boston puts them on a level playing field with Cleveland in signing free agent LeBron James in July.

"I feel good about the possibility of being a very good team next year," D'Antoni told The Post yesterday. "I don't know anything yet about the main guy [James]. I really don't have a clue and I don't think anyone knows. But I am confident we can make it right. I do feel we're in a good position -- either way."

 If LeBron James passes on New York Knicks in free agency, team should turn atten

There went the Heat out of the NBA playoffs Tuesday night, again with a whimper, as Dwyane Wade was eliminated in the first round for the third time in the four seasons since he was seen holding the Finals MVP trophy in Dallas.

Maybe Miami's latest playoff loss will be the Knicks' gain ...

 Bill fits in Knicks' plans

Bill Walker, one of this past season's pleasant revelations, said he believes one of the reasons for the Knicks' 29-53 record was a lack of leadership in the locker room.

Walker, who came over from the Celtics in the Nate Robinson trade on Feb. 18, told The Post it was jarring to see none of the veterans step up in the leadership department after he spent two seasons in Boston with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

 No chance Knicks land Johnson


 First thing last: None of the above mentioned grounds will be Johnson's decisive motive for rejecting the Knicks, should they even proposition him. Except, perhaps, for LeBron and Dwayne Wade, his bottom line is no different than every other player's bottom line.

 Knicks coach sees no future with McGrady

Though the final decision belongs to Knicks team president Donnie Walsh, coach Mike D'Antoni feels it would be prudent to move on without Tracy McGrady next season, according to team sources.

D'Antoni has seen McGrady labor for 21 games, averaging 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

 Walsh eyes waived Raja
MARC BERMAN

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said yesterday he would talk to Raja Bell's representative now that Bell has been waived by the Warriors.

Bell, the defensive guard who starred for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix, will become a free agent when he clears waivers today, but more important Bell becomes a free agent this summer.

 Opportunity knocks for Knicks' Giddens

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 Marcus Camby headlines Donnie Walsh's supporting cast in case Lebron James

 Knicks' prez takes D'Antoni off hook for team's struggles