National Basketball Association

Nuggets excuse 'Melo for 'Conan' taping

Published Feb. 21, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Carmelo Anthony was excused from the Denver Nuggets' practice Monday night.

Instead of taping up his ankles, the All-Star forward was in Burbank, Calif., taping a segment on ''Conan.''

Anthony, the subject of intense speculation as Thursday's trade deadline approaches, stayed behind in Los Angeles following the NBA All-Star game while his teammates gathered at the Pepsi Center.

Team spokesman Tim Gelt tells The Associated Press that Anthony's absence was excused. Late Monday afternoon, Anthony tweeted: ''Headed to Burbank to film THE CONAN SHOW.''

Anthony has been the subject of trade talks ever since he declined to sign a three-year, $65 million extension with the Nuggets last summer. His biggest pursuers are the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.