Nets pull out of Carmelo Anthony trade
Over the weekend it seemed as if Carmelo Anthony was on his way out of Denver and on his way to New Jersey.
However, it now appears as if the three-time NBA All-Star will now be staying with the Nuggets for a little while longer after the Nets pulled out of negotiations, according to reports. New Jersey has been frustrated with Denver’s reluctance to complete a four-team deal which would also include the Charlotte Bobcats and Utah Jazz.
Not pleased with what they were getting in return for one of the league’s best players, Denver have called round various other teams to gauge Anthony’s market value. One of the reasons behind the Nets decision to pursue the deal, is the negative effect it’s having on the team during practice. Head Coach Avery Johnson is trying to downplay the distractions, especially with regards to first-round draft pick Derrick Favours, who is the main piece going in Denver’s direction.
"I know that I love our guys, love the guys who are here. We're not a distracted team at all,” Johnson said.
"Favors has been one of our best players so far. He's doing a nice job."
The Nuggets’ reluctance to accept the deal the Nets have proposed stems from the fact they are unwilling to take on some near $10million in extra salary – including luxury tax fines. Despite receiving two first-round draft picks in the proposed deal, the extra $10 million was a sum owner Stan Kroenke was unwilling to pay.
Some reports have the deal labelled as “dead” - a term that might be too strong. While the Nuggets are unwilling to trade Anthony – still harbouring hope he will stay – the most likely outcome of this whole situation is that the 26-year-old will be traded by the trade deadline in February.
Whether that’s to the Nets or to someone else we don’t know. What we do know is, barring any dramatic changes, Carmelo Anthony’s future lies away from Denver.
Tags: