Carmelo Anthony feels love from New York, but says he's happy winning with Nuggets in Denver

Carmelo Anthony is both humbled and excited that just about everyone in New York is convinced he will be coming home to play for the Knicks one day.

"It feels good to know that a city like that wants me," Anthony told the Daily News Monday night. "They know my background. They know I was born there. The fact that it was home for me, a lot of people take that into account when they talk about my future."

Anthony's future is one of the hottest topics in the NBA and it will remain that way until he is traded, re-signs with the Denver Nuggets or elects to become a free agent next July 1.

After scoring 32 points in Denver's 94-92 loss to the Chicago Bulls Monday night, Anthony said he wasn't answering questions regarding his contract or impending free agency. He did laugh when a reporter asked what number he would like to wear once he becomes a Knick.

"Amar'e looks good," Anthony said of his good friend, Amar'e Stoudemire. "He and (Raymond) Felton will start working better in the pick-and-roll. The Knicks are going to be okay."