Another NBA superstar may have to wait a bit longer to find a new home.
Trade talks surrounding Denver Nuggets all-star Carmelo Anthony appeared to break down over the weekend, stalling a potential four-team deal that would send the forward to the New Jersey Nets, reported ESPN.
Denver attempted to woo the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls or the L.A. Clippers to better a proposed deal that would send the Nets first round pick Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirlienko and two future first round picks to Denver for Anthony, with the Nets sending guard Devin Harris to Charlotte and Utah picking up forward Boris Diaw from the Bobcats.
Anthony, who has had little contact with the Nuggets this summer, may be persuaded to stay once he gets to training camp, which starts this week.
Another possible trade option presented itself with the Philadelphia 76ers, as they've potentially offered swingman Andre Iguodala for Anthony, but according to sources familiar with 'melo's thinking, he would not sign a contract extension if traded to Philly, whereas he most likely would if he were shipped to New Jersey.
Nets General Manager Billy King spoke about the potential deal, in general terms.
"I would say that we're exploring everything," King said," but there's no deal. We have nothing. We have nothing. We're excited about the guys playing. I'll continue to explore and see if we can make the team better."
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Anthony has expressed a desire to play in New York, possibly alongside friend Amare Stoudemire, who made a move to the Big Apple this summer after signing a contract with the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks are lacking in draft picks to offer Denver, making New Jersey a more likely destination. The chance to play for deep-pocketed Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov and a potential pairing with rising star center Brook Lopez further the draw.
The Nets need all the help they can get; they set an NBA record last year by starting the season with 18 straight losses and became only the fifth team to lose 70 games, going 12-70 for the year.
Selected Reading: ESPN, CBS Sportsline, New York Daily News
