Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov Drops Pursuit of Melo

New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has told his team to end discussions that would land the All-Star small forward in Newark.

"It has taken too long. It has been played out in public and it certainly has taken a toll on the players and I believe that it has cost us several games. I think management did a great job, but there comes a time when the price is simply too expensive. I'm instructing our team to walk away from the deal." Prokhorov said.

Apparently there was a meeting set-up to meet with Carmelo but according to Prokhorov, the meeting "is hereby cancelled."

It's a tough decision for the Nets, but possibly the right move. The Nets have so many first-round picks, giving them the ability to possibly land a great young rookie. Not only that, they could build around Derrick Favors and young dominant center Brook Lopez.

The Nets owner is right in a sense. The trade talks have probably cost not only the Nets, but the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets many wins.

That was the steep price to pay to help land Carmelo Anthony in New Jersey.

Now, even after losing out on a top player like Anthony, Prokhorov still stands by his goal of having the Nets win a championship in five years.

Favors, one of the featured names in the blockbuster deal for Carmelo Anthony, was excited and shocked when told of the news.

"I don't have to worry about it no more. It's over with. This is my first time hearing it. I'm excited." said the 19-year old forward out of Georgia Tech.

The ending of the Carmelo-to-New Jersey deal gives way for the Knicks to swoop in with their low valued package or the possibility of the Nuggets shipping out Carmelo as a rent-a-player for peanuts.

Teams that Carmelo could possibly land on as a rent-a-player have been reported to be the Houston Rockets, Charlotte Bobcats and the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets and Mavericks are considered frontrunners for his services.