January isn't all that close, and this is really a rumor at this point.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/70691/20101221/nets_nuggets_advancing_in_melo_talks/#

Quote

Nets, Nuggets Advancing In Melo Talks

The Nets and Nuggets are working towards a complicated multi-team trade proposal that would send Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

Anthony is expected to accept a contract extension with the Nets following a trade if the team is able to bring back a package of significant talent with him, according to league sources.

So far, packages include some of Anthony's Denver teammates -- including Al Harrington.

"The way this is structured now, the Nets will significantly upgrade their team," said one league executive.

The other teams involved in the talks aren't yet known.

Currently, the Nets are preparing to send Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, two or three first-round picks and $3 million to the Nuggets for Anthony and Harrington. More players from both sides would likely be involved.

According to a source, Brook Lopez is the only player the Nets haven't involved in any scenario.

No deal is imminent, but sources involved in the talks believe that early January is a realistic target.

Wish Carmelo could stay in the West.

Me too.  I'm sick of all the good players coming to the East.  Makes LA's route to the Finals that much easier and makes it tougher for us, depending on which team he goes to.  Does Utah have the pieces to get him? I don't see why Denver won't trade him to a team in the West.  It's not like Denver is going anywhere anytime soon.

I can't really believe that Melo is going to New Jersey anymore.

New York is just shining right now, and Melo has the power to decide his own destiny, if he really wanted it.

Based upon that report, it still seems like there are a lot of moving pieces.

I would be absolutely shocked if Al Harrington's presence is the decider in whether Carmelo accepts or declines an extension.  Harrington's presence on the Nets would actually make them less likely to win in the long term (and arguably, in the short term as well.)  If Carmelo wants legitimate pieces to join him in NJ, I can't see a lot of guys on the current Nuggets fitting the bill, outside of maybe Chauncey.

If Melo wants a legitimate chance at winning, he'll find a way to keep Favors, Lopez, Harris, and Morrow there.

Based upon that report, it still seems like there are a lot of moving pieces.

I would be absolutely shocked if Al Harrington's presence is the decider in whether Carmelo accepts or declines an extension.  Harrington's presence on the Nets would actually make them less likely to win in the long term (and arguably, in the short term as well.)  If Carmelo wants legitimate pieces to join him in NJ, I can't see a lot of guys on the current Nuggets fitting the bill, outside of maybe Chauncey.

I agree, but nobody said Melo's a smart GM. He may just be thinking very short term and not willing to admit the Nets would be in rebuilding mode.

Based upon that report, it still seems like there are a lot of moving pieces.

I would be absolutely shocked if Al Harrington's presence is the decider in whether Carmelo accepts or declines an extension.  Harrington's presence on the Nets would actually make them less likely to win in the long term (and arguably, in the short term as well.)  If Carmelo wants legitimate pieces to join him in NJ, I can't see a lot of guys on the current Nuggets fitting the bill, outside of maybe Chauncey.

The Harrington part is probably a miscommunication between sources.  I highly doubt he is part of it to make Melo happy, I think he is part of it to make Denver happy...perhaps in lieu of sending extra assets that can then be used to get talent elsewhere.

So, perhaps it is something like Melo and Harrington for Murphy, Favors, Sasha, and 1-2 picks (instead of 3-4 picks).

And then they will use Harris, Morrow, and other salary filler, plus more of those picks to get that other piece.

Heck, why not send Harris, Morrow, and 3 picks for Chris Paul?  I know with the league owning NOH, it would scream of collusion, but that would be a pretty nice haul (particularly with Paul's injury questions), and it certainly convince Melo to resign.

I can't see Chris Paul moving until there is a real ownership group in place.

Quote from: Fafnir on December 21, 2010, 12:00:40 PM

I can't see Chris Paul moving until there is a real ownership group in place.

Very good point. The Hornet's roster is pretty much hamstrung at this point, until it gets resolved at the top.

Which sadly is going to take a while. Apparently no one who wants to buy the team is willing to keep it in New Orleans.