USA - Anthony agrees new deal

DENVER (NBA) - Team USA international Carmelo Anthony has accepted a maximum contract extension from the Denver Nuggets, according to reports.

The 6ft 8in forward agreed to a five-year extension worth nearly $80 million, the Rocky Mountain News reported on Saturday.

"It is a dream come true to be given a max contract," Anthony told the newspaper. "The feeling is incredible and my motivation is at an all-time high."

Although he is yet to make an All-Star team or win a playoff series, Anthony still has emerged as one of the top scorers in the NBA. He raised his average nearly six points to 26.5 last season, the eighth-best in the league.

His performances were good enough to earn him a place on the 23-man Team USA provisional roster for the FIBA World Championship.

Just 22, Anthony still has one year left on his rookie contract. The extension begins with the 2007-08 season and its precise value will be established next summer by the salary cap.

However, it is expected to start at $13 million and be worth roughly $79 million.

The report said Anthony could have an opt-out clause after the 2010-11 season but that has not yet been determined. Anthony can officially sign the deal July 12. Saturday was the first day he could negotiate with the team.

A member of the 2006 All-NBA third team, Anthony has averaged 22.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in three seasons with the Nuggets, who drafted him third overall in 2003 after he led Syracuse to a national championship as a freshman.

Anthony has led the Nuggets to the post-season in each of the last three years, but the team has lost in the first round each time.

"I want to take on a greater leadership role with this team and my goal remains to win the Nuggets fans a championship" Anthony added. "I look forward to being in Denver for a long time."

PA Sport