The rumored mega-deal involving Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets, the New Jersey Nets and the Detroit Pistons could be close to happening, possibly within days, according to a report by Nets beat writer Al Iannazzone. Iannazzone quotes two unnamed sources:
"It’s pretty close," said one league source.
"Something could get done in the next 48 hours," another NBA source said.
The deal would likely involved 15-to-17 players as well as numerous draft picks. The outline of the deal follows what has already been reported: The Nuggets would receive Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and two first-round draft picks from the Nets. The Nets would receive Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups from the Nuggets and Richard Hamilton from the Pistons. The Pistons would receive Troy Murphy and his expiring contract, something the Nuggets have not wanted.
Now we know which players the Nuggets might receive from the Pistons: Anthony Morrow, Ben Uzoh and Stephen Graham. Additionally, the Nets would receive Anthony Carter and Shelden Williams from the Nuggets.
But, according to the report, the Nets would like the Pistons to take Johan Petro, who they don't want. And even if all the teams involved can work out the players involved, the salary swaps and the draft picks, Melo still needs to sign his three-year extension for this deal to work out.