Nets & Nuggest agree in principle to Carmelo Anthony deal

The New Jersey Nets are on the precipice of making their biggest trade since they acquired Jason Kidd from the Phoenix Suns 11 years ago.

According to the Bergen Record, the Nets have agreed in principle with the Denver Nuggets to a deal that would bring Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey, along with Chauncey Billups, Melvin Ely, Relando Balkman, and Sheldon Williams.

The Nets in turn would send first round pick Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, Troy Murphy, and Ben Uzoh and four first round picks to Denver.

The deal is pending Anthony's approval on a three year extension with the Nets. Nets owner Mikhal Prokarov is to meet with Anthony this week to see if they can agree to a deal. If Anthony doesn't want any part of Nets, then he could say no to a contract with New Jersey and the trade will fall through.

That would open the door for the Knicks who have been hot on Anthony's trail, and whom Anthony has stated he wants to play for.

It is hard to believe that Anthony will come to New Jersey to play for a team that is 17-40, and has no realistic shot at an NBA title. The Nets are still struggling to re-establish itself after they ripped apart the Jason Kidd era after the '07-'08 season.

The Knicks, 28-26, are in a better position to compete, but the biggest snag in that deal has been the Knicks reluctance to let go of Raymond Felton or Landry Fields in any deal. They want to keep both.

The final word on the Nets deal could come later this weekend.