National Basketball Association

Report: Major 'Melo deal in the works?

Published Jan. 8, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The New Jersey Nets’ pursuit of Denver superstar Carmelo Anthony with Detroit entering the mix could result in the largest trade in NBA history under an incredibly complex proposal which is one of about 20 scenarios being considered, the New York Post reported Saturday.

As many as 17 players, plus multiple draft picks, could be involved in the deal, several sources confirmed. One league executive said "15 to 17 players could ultimately be involved." And there are all the draft picks to consider, too.

The Nets, who have sought to do a team-to-team trade with the Denver Nuggets, have induced the Detroit Pistons into the talks who are eager to shave salary.

The Nets, under the whopper trade which is nowhere near close to be completed, would essentially gut their current roster. At 10-26, that might not be a bad thing.

The Nets also are determined to prevent the New York Knicks from landing Anthony, who would have to sign a three-year, $65 million extension.

The largest trade, in terms of player numbers, in NBA history was a five-team, 13-player swap in 2005 involving Miami, Memphis, New Orleans, Boston and Utah.