Did Melo had more power over the Nuggets than Howard will over the Magic?

The one advantage that Melo had is that the Knicks have the power to sign him a max deal without a sign and trade. Lakers cannot offer him more than 6 mil unless they get over their cap trade a bunch of their guys like Gasol, Odom, Bynum, and Artest to get under or do a sign and trade with Orlando. Even if LA is his first choice and Orlando says no I am sure he will more likely consider going to Chicago or Portland in a trade than signing in New Jersey, Cleveland, Minnesota, New Orleans as a FA.