Anthony's saga is taking its toll across the league

Franchises and players left in limbo as Denver seeks deal

Carmelo Anthony's virtual free-agent tour has been strikingly short on theatrics: no self-aggrandizing television show, no parade of executives genuflecting on his doorstep, no cozy backyard interviews with Larry King.

This decision is nothing like "The Decision" that consumed the NBA last summer. Anthony, the disgruntled Denver Nuggets forward, is wary of repeating the mistakes that corroded the public image of his good friend LeBron James.