Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Latest on New Jersey Nets Talk

Carmelo Anthony trade talks are starting to heat back up again and the New Jersey Nets are still the team rumored to be heavily in the mix.

While some sources have told many outlets, including the New York Daily News, that "nothing was imminent," other sources indicate that Denver is hoping for a better deal offered from the Nets than the rumored four-player deal that hit the blogosphere last week. That deal involved the Nets sending rookie Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy and two first-round draft picks to Denver.

The Nuggets are reportedly not sold on Favors just yet.

The Denver Post reports this morning that the Nets and Nuggets have again ramped up trade talks, according to NBA officials. But those officials also indicated that the Nets aren't the only team in the mix. According to the same Denver Post report, a couple of teams in contention for the playoffs have shown interest in acquiring Anthony for the stretch run.

Regardless of where Anthony lands, it's likely that he's moved there by the middle of next month.

The New York Knicks, originally thought to be perhaps the only landing spot for Anthony, has seemed a bit more unlikely in recent weeks despite Anthony's strong desire to play in New York. The potential return package the Knicks could offer Denver just doesn't compare with the one the Nets can provide.

New Jersey is also reportedly actively pursuing other players in hopes of improving its roster, similarly to Orlando's recent acquisitions of Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson. At this stage in the long Carmelo Anthony trade process, the Nets still remain the team in the lead as they already have the most to offer Denver in return and do meet some of the star's desires.