It might go down in history as the trade that never was.
The three-team blockbuster deal to bring Anthony to New Jersey ended Wednesday night – with a surprising turn of events. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov told the team to cease talks with the Denver Nuggets.
So, after weeks of speculation, the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons won’t complete the largest trade in NBA history. And it won’t be highlighted by superstar Carmelo Anthony heading to the Nets in a record 15 player deal.
The Nets were granted permission to talk direct to Anthony last week and the star forward was expected to sign a three-year $65 million contract extension with New Jersey.
But it won’t happen.
“There comes a time when the price is simply too expensive,” Prokhorov told reporters during a news conference before the Nets game against the Utah Jazz. “Really, I am not happy with the way the deal has gone until now. It has taken too long.”
The owner lamented: “I believe it has cost us several games.”
Here are the full details of the deal that never will be:
New Jersey receives:
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Richard Hamilton
Anthony Carter
Shelden Williams
Denver receives:
Devin Harris
Derrick Favors
Two future 1st round picks
Anthony Morrow
Ben Uzoh
Stephen Graham
Quinton Ross
Detroit receives:
Troy Murphy
Johan Petro
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