Cavs, Nets, Nuggets Discussed a Carmelo Anthony Trade

ESPN has details of what was reportedly being worked on between the three teams just before the new year: “The Nets and Nuggets have discussed various trade scenarios and just before Christmas, they nearly worked out a three-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to league sources. The Nets have a standing offer of rookie Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks and Troy Murphy on the table, but last month, sources said the Nuggets weren’t interested in Murphy because they would have inherited the remaining $8 million on his expiring contract. So the Nets brought in Cleveland and its $14.5 million trade exception. Denver would have received Favors, Devin Harris and three first-round picks. Cleveland would have received Murphy and one or two first-round picks, and the Nets would have received Anthony, Al Harrington and the Cavaliers’ trade exception, the sources said. Beyond the sticking point of Anthony accepting or refusing to sign the long-term extension with New Jersey, the deal fell apart because both Denver and Cleveland wanted the 2012 first-round pick the Nets got from Golden State in the Marcus Williams trade. That pick is protected through the first seven slots. While Denver never asked for the Nets’ five first-round picks, New Jersey might have wound up sending those five picks to the Nuggets and the Cavs. Losing all those first-rounders makes the Nets squeamish, as does not getting back a point guard if they have to give up Harris.”