Carmelo Anthony trade talks could involve up to 17 players and at least four teams, according to reports. Al Iannazzone of the Bergen Record reports that the New Jersey Nets are still working to pull the Detroit Pistons into a deal that would result in 'Melo moving to Newark, with Rip Hamilton believed to be the main draw for the Nets. Another team with a large trade exception or cap space, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, would also likely be needed.
Carmelo Anthony Trade Could Involve 17 Players, At Least Four Teams
Iannazzone reports that in the most recent incarnation of the deal, Derrick Favors, Anthony Morrow, Devin Harris, Troy Murphy, Stephen Graham, Ben Uzoh, Johan Petro, Quinton Ross and multiple draft picks would go to the Denver Nuggets and Pistons. That constitutes more than half of New Jersey's rosters. In return, the Nets would receive Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Shelden Williams and Terrico White, plus other unnamed players, possibly from other teams.
The Nets have been attempting to pry 'Melo from the Nuggets since the early fall, with a complex deal involving the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Bobcats having fallen through in October. Because of the assets the Nuggets have demanded in a 'Melo trade -- draft picks and young players -- New Jersey has had to recruit teams to help out. Multi-team deals in the NBA are incredibly difficult to pull off, especially with high-profile players and picks involved.
Iannazzone holds that no deal will go through unless ‘Melo agrees to sign a contract extension with the Nets in advance. That the deal has been discussed as this deep and specific level indicates that Anthony has signed off on a long-term relationship with the Nets.
New Jersey is currently 10-27, five games out of the East’s No. 8 playoff spot.
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