Nuggets Want Five Picks From Nets In Carmelo Anthony Trade

If the Nets want Carmelo Anthony from the Nuggets, it will take five draft picks according to a report by Yahoo!‘s Adrian Wojnarowski. New Jersey, who would also send Derrick Favors to Denver in any ‘Melo deal, has apparently bristled at those demands.

The Nets have acquired a slew of picks in recent deals, including two in a trade that sent second-year player Terrence Williams to the Rockets. New Jersey’s most valuable pick is its own 2011 first-round selection. The Nets are currently on pace to pick in the top 10, though trading from Anthony could improve the team’s record enough to push that pick into the teens.

Wojnarowski reports that the Nets believe Denver’s asking price to be too steep. Clearly, there’s something holding up the deal, which has been rumored since October. Some reporters claim ‘Melo has refused to sign an extension with the Nets, which would be a dealbreaker for New Jersey. Others believe the Nuggets and Nets are simply quibbling over price. Still others think the Nuggets are hoping some on-court success -- Denver is currently 18-13, No. 6 in the West -- and trepidation with the pending collective bargaining changes can cause ‘Melo to sign the extension the team has left on the table for him.

Anthony had left the team last weekend to return to Baltimore in the wake of his sister’s death. ‘Melo returned to the team Thursday, and is expected to play Saturday as Denver hosts the Kings. Denver GM Masai Ujiri told reporters he had put a freeze on trade talks until Anthony’s return.