Carmelo Anthony saga might have no happy endings

George Karl didn't sign up for this. Inspired and rejuvenated in the wake of his cancer treatments, he returned to the Nuggets to encounter an oppressive, overriding theme, haunting him like a nightmare.

Melo, Melo, Melo, Melo.

Not just on occasion. Every night. Will Carmelo Anthony get traded? Huh? Will he? Come on, let's have some answers here!

This is what the NBA has become, a sequence of vague notions about the future. LeBron James held the league hostage for months, finally moving on to Miami. The Knicks spent two years planning for LeBron, then came up empty. Everyone's planning for a lockout that remains a rumor until further notice. And now there's the Anthony saga, all about what might happen, while torching at least two teams' seasons along the way.

If you follow the NBA, you know the essential elements of this long-rumored deal: Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton to New Jersey; Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, Anthony Morrow and two first-round draft picks to Denver; Troy Murphy, Johan Petro and a draft pick (as yet undisclosed) to Detroit.

League sources say the deal could be consummated next week - don't expect Anthony to be playing for New Jersey when the Nets visit Oakland on Monday afternoon - but nobody seems terribly happy about recent negotiations. Here's why:

Anthony: Although he grew up in Brooklyn, where the Nets will play after next season, he's got his heart set on Manhattan. He and his wife fancy the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks. His contract expires this year, and at no point has he indicated a willingness to sign a long-term extension with New Jersey.

Denver: While trying to appease Carmelo, the Nuggets have deeply offended Billups, a Denver-raised star and one of the few level-headed players on the team. The players have had their moments (such as Friday night's win over Miami), but they're hearing a lot of booing, as well.

New Jersey: That's an awful lot to surrender for a player whose heart might lie elsewhere. Meanwhile, the trade talks have alienated Favors and Harris, and the team has gone straight into the tank. Also: What's the appeal of Billups (who would want out) and the aging Hamilton as your backcourt?

Detroit: The fans would welcome change of any kind, but that's hardly an attractive package unless the Pistons get a first-round draft pick.

New York: Anthony can't wait to join the Knicks and immediately sign an extension, but to acquire him now, the Knicks would have to surrender two of their three most valued players - Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Landry Fields - and probably a first-round pick (which they'd have to acquire by trading Anthony Randolph). They'd prefer to wait until the summer, sign Anthony as a free agent and give up nothing.

Amar'e Stoudemire: A part of him welcomes Carmelo onto the Knicks, but in essence, Stoudemire wants to be The Man, no questions asked. That has been his desire for years. As currently structured, the Knicks are cohesive, entertaining and bound for the playoffs. Their big need is at center.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul watches with great interest from afar. You might think he plays for New Orleans, but it's all about Paul becoming a free agent in 2012, and whether he can join Anthony in New York or New Jersey. That's today's NBA. Be sure to bring a telescope.

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