For weeks so many news outlets have had ‘sources’ or talk to ‘people close to the situation’ surrounding the potential blockbuster trade that would send Carmelo Anthony to the New Jersey Nets. The reports are varied somewhat, but for the most part people have agreed that the trade would likely send ‘Melo and Chauncey Billups to the Nets, along with Rip Hamilton from the Detroit Pistons.
So what’s the hold up? Are the Nets concerned about pulling the trigger without an assurance that Carmelo Anthony will re-sign with the team after the trade since his contract is about to expire?
A person with knowledge of the proposed Carmelo Anthony trade says the holdup is over the framework of the deal, not the All-Star forward’s willingness to commit to New Jersey.
Though they appeared close to a deal 11 days ago, the teams are still negotiating what the Nets would send to Denver, the person told The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anyonymity because he was not authorized to speak publiclly about the trade.
New Jersey has offered to ship six players and at least two first-round draft picks to Denver in the deal that would send Anthony to the Nets along with former Pistons teammates Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton.
But the teams haven’t been able to agree on the exact price that will persuade the Nuggets to finally part with their franchise player
The person added that the Nets are not concerned about Anthony’s commitment to the franchise for the long term should the trade be completed, saying they are convinced the 26-year-old will sign a $65 million, three-year contract extension if New Jersey, Denver and Detroit can agree on the others parts of the deal.
The teams continued their negotiations on Tuesday, but little was happening, the person said.
Read more details via AP on NBA.com
