As a Carmelo Anthony trade sending the All-Star forward to the New Jersey Nets begins to look more inevitable than ever, Nets coach Avery Johnson has begun to talk to "certain players" about their futures with the team, according to a report by Al Iannazzone of the Bergen Record.
Carmelo Anthony Trade Coming Soon? Nets Coach Talks To ‘Certain Players’ About Futures
Iannazzone reports Johnson has spoken to point guard Devin Harris, who is rumored to be involved in the trade for Anthony. The Denver Nuggets, who have second-year point guard Ty Lawson serving as the heir apparent to veteran Chauncey Billups' spot, would not take back Harris; instead, the one-time All-Star would be used to pull a third or fourth team into the deal.
Johnson said he has not talked to any of the Nets' young players, which is code for Derrick Favors, the centerpiece of the deal for 'Melo. It's unclear what team is in the market for Harris, though an October rumor had Charlotte Bobcats picking him up and sending D.J. Augustin to New Jersey. Iannazzone reports, however, that the Nets will want to pick up a starting-level PG in a 'Melo trade should Harris be sent away; Augustin, as evidenced by Charlotte's 9-19 record, doesn't fit that bill.
Iannazzone also reports that the Dallas Mavericks are wedging themselves into the trade talks, and would not demand 'Melo sign an extension before executing a trade with the Nuggets. It's unclear exactly what the Mavericks could do to beat New Jersey's incredible offer. Rodrigue Beaubois is Dallas' best young prospect, and he's a solid tier or three below Favors in terms of potential.
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