Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the inclusion of the Detroit Pistons' Richard Hamilton in the proposed mega-deal is a key part in Carmelo Anthony accepting the deal. According to Wojnarowski's source, Melo "wants to play with Rip [Richard Hamilton]." This appears to be a large part in Melo's softening stance to sign an extension with New Jersey. The Nets would acquire Hamilton in exchange for the expiring contract of Troy Murphy.
Hamilton is in his 12th NBA season and has been with the Pistons since the 2002-2003 season. He is averaging 13.5 points a game this season, which id down from his 17.7 career average.
Chauncey Billups, who has continually expressed a desire to stay in Denver, could have all of his 2011-2012 contract picked up in order to make the deal more palatable to him, Wojnarowski adds. A buyout, though, still remains a possibility.
Unlike the September trade between the Nets and Nuggets that ultimately fell through, there's a growing sense that almost nothing will stop this one.