At long last, Carmelo Anthony has been dealt to the New York Knicks.

The Anthony soap opera began over the summer when the star and his agents indicated to the authorities in Denver that he would not sign an extension with the Nuggets and would exercise his free agent option if they did not trade him. He also stated he would not sign an extension with any team except the Knicks. Anthony got his way, based on information from the Denver Post. All people involved with the trade have verified that the deal is done, and that includes Leon Rose, Anthony’s representative.

There are three teams involved with the trade, including Minnesota. Wilson Chandler Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, and Timofey Mozgov go to Denver, in addition to a first round draft choice in the 2014 draft, the 2nd round draft selection in 2012 of the Warriors, the 3rd round draft selection in 2013 from the warriors, and $3 million. Moving to New York are Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman. Corey Brewer will also join the Knicks from Minnesota. In return, the Timberwolves will receive Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph.

In an interview with Marc Spears of Yahoo, general manager of the Nuggets, Masai Uijiri said, “You lost a great player. A deal is a deal. But we lost a great player in Carmelo. We are excited about the young guys we’re getting.”

Because the NBA offices were not open on Monday, the trade is unable to be completed until Tuesday; however, it is ready to go. All night long, reports were released that indicated this trade was imminent.

Anthony did not participate in practice with the Nuggets on Monday, but he was going to appear on Conan O’Brien’s show later that night. Billups was at practice; however, he did not talk to any reporters afterward.

There has been some discussion by the Nuggets that they may re-trade a few of their New York acquisitions, particularly Gallinari and Felton in return for draft selections. Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski believes that there is some indication that these players would be traded to New Jersey in a trade that would involve Devin Harris and the Dallas Mavericks. But Chris Broussard of ESPN stated this wasn’t going to happen. However, a person close to Broussard also stated that the Nuggets are going to stay with J.R. Smith and Nene, so it is possible that the Nuggets are just posturing for position in the negotiations game.

For most of the summer and fall, the Knicks refused to give up this number of players and picks in order to land Anthony. Donnie Walsh, Knick’s president believed if he was unable to complete a trade for Anthony that he could always sign him when he left for free agency. On suggestions from Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, owner of the Knicks, sweetened the pot and was able to pull the trigger on the trade.

However, New York is now without four of their starters, which leaves only Amar’e Stoudemire as the sole player returning to the starting lineup. It is unknown how they will be able to provide role players for their stars to remain competitive with Miami, Chicago, and Boston. It is also going to be a huge issue once the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached.

It appears, though, that New York fans are undeterred. Darren Rovell reported that New York ticket agencies have said that tickets are going fast even in the face of a 30% increase in price.