Let me start by saying that I think the best situation for me as a Nugs fan would be for Melo to sign his extention. However, with him waiting like he has been it doesn't look very likely.
Kroenke has a great option I believe he should employ if Melo really is intending on leaving this great Nugs team. Kroenke should tell Melo that he has until Monday to sign the extention. If not he is going to suspend him day 1 of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. He isn't going to allow Melo to sit on the bench or pratice or even enter the Nuggets facilities. Also, Kroenke should tell Melo that he is going to fight him with lawyers for his contract pay. He will make Melo pay as much in legal fees as his salary should be. Kroenke should tell Melo he will not allow him to play for his or any other team next year if he doesn't sign his extention by Monday.
After the season is over Kroenke should tell Melo he will not honor any sign and trade. In effect Kroenke would be forcing Melo to not take two years pay and be away from the NBA for two years of his prime. Kroenke needs to let Melo know that the Nugs aren't the Cavaliers and they hold the leverage and not Melo.
I really hope this plays out if Melo is indeed intending to leave for more attention. Melo has a great thing going here in Denver and will have a great chance at a title every year if he stays. Why other than attention and endorcement dollars would Melo leave Denver? Certainly not to join the Knicks and play King Quit and the Dynamic Duo every year for a chance to even get to the title game. The Nugs have something like 38 million dollars of payroll coming off the books next year if Melo signs the extention. They will be able to sign a big name and resign Kmart and Billups for about the cost of one of them this year. Add in Melo's contract as expiring and they have like 53 million or so coming off the books. The Nugs are going to be able to make some great moves to improve the team with or without Melo after this season. Nugs hold the leverage if they play their cards right and I guess we'll see what kind of organization Kroenke really runs as this bullshit Melo drama plays out.
