MEMPHIS - The speculation that has cast a cloud over the Nets' season is moving closer to a resolution, with the team remaining the most aggressive pursuer and the most likely destination for Carmelo Anthony.
Still, a source stressed "nothing was imminent," even as the Nets and Nuggets negotiate a potential megatrade that would overhaul both teams. Another source familiar with Denver's thinking claims the Nuggets still believe they can get a better deal and aren't entirely sold on Derrick Favors, the centerpiece of the Nets' package, who scored just six points in 13 minutes during last night's 101-94 victory over the Grizzlies.
Reports out of Denver indicate the Nuggets have finally backed off their predictably futile quest to convince. Anthony to sign the $65 million extension that has been on the table since the summer.
In addition to entertaining new offers, the Nuggets are reportedly discussing a three-team deal that would send Anthony, Al Harrington and possibly more players, including Chauncey Billups, to the Nets.
"(Anthony's) a pretty good player from what I've heard," Nets coach Avery Johnson joked yesterday before his team earned its second straight win behind 26 points from Brook Lopez and another double-double from Kris Humphries (12 points, 15 rebounds). The Nets (9-20) are on their first winning streak since the first two games of the season.
The hope is that the new collection of talent would persuade Anthony to sign an extension to join the Nets, who remain confident they can ease the reservations associated with joining a team in the Atlantic Division basement. According to a source, Nets owners Mikhail Prokhorov and Jay-Z would meet with Anthony to sell the direction of the team, if it ever reached that point.
In order to take on the salaries of the new proposal, the Nets would have to expand their offer of Favors, Troy Murphy and draft picks. Devin Harris, who was a piece in a four-team proposal that fizzled before the season, is a likely addition to that package.
And since Harris - a veteran with two years remaining on his contract - doesn't fit into the Nuggets' rebuilding plan, the unnamed third team is probably in need of a point guard. The Bucks fit that description, but haven't been negotiating with the Nets, according to a source. Charlotte attempted to trade for Harris in September, and an Eastern Conference GM speculated that coach Larry Brown would renew talks.
"Been there, done that," Harris said before last night's game. He shrugged off the latest rumors, but hinted at his disappointment when he was almost traded earlier.
"You go through a little bit of emotions, thinking how you want to be a part of something and obviously with a new regime and a new coaching staff, you're moving out right away," he said. "But you get over it."
While awaiting a savior before the trade deadline, Johnson said he talked to "certain" players last week about the ceaseless trade rumors.
Johnson also said he's established an open dialogue with Murphy, who hasn't been happy with his intermittent playing time. Unlike Harris, Murphy would welcome a change.
"Right now this is the only future," Johnson said, deflecting a question about Murphy's future in New Jersey. "This is the team that we have. Right now, based on last game, Troy is in our rotation. It is what it is."
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