Sources: Knicks reach out to Grizzlies

The New York Knicks have reached out to Memphis about participating in a three-team deal that would send Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo to Denver and Carmelo Anthony to New York, according to league sources.

Emboldened by their belief that Anthony will refuse to sign a three-year, $65 million contract extension with the New Jersey Nets, the Knicks inquired about Mayo independently of the Nuggets in an effort to enhance a trade package to Denver that would bring Anthony to New York.

But Denver has no interest in Mayo, sources close to the situation said Friday.

Although Mayo, who has one year, $5.6 million remaining on his contract after this season, does not have the leverage to stop a possible deal, sources say he would not be happy with a trade to Denver.

After nearly three years of rebuilding in Memphis, Mayo is looking to go to a winning situation, according to the sources. He understands that without Anthony, Denver would be starting over.

Mayo, however, would like to go to the Knicks. The Knicks' only interest in Mayo is to aid them in acquiring Anthony.

The Knicks also will need at least one first-round draft pick to grab Denver's attention, and New York is confident it can get such a pick for Anthony Randolph from one of several clubs. Sources say Indiana was willing to trade a first-round pick to New York for Randolph last summer.