Can Nuggets change Melo’s mind?

Once Carmelo Anthony returns to the lineup, the Nuggets plan to give the club -- which is healthier than it's been all season with the return of Kenyon Martin -- a few weeks to play together and jell. They will then approach Anthony one last time about signing the three-year, $64 million extension they’ve had on the table all season. If Anthony balks, which is a certainty, Denver will increase its efforts to move him.

While New Jersey remains the most probable trading partner for the Nuggets, other clubs besides New York could get in the mix. Dallas, Charlotte and Houston are teams sources say might be willing to trade for Anthony even without his promise to sign a contract extension.

Dallas doesn't have much to offer besides expiring contracts, but Houston has the young talent (Jordan Hill, Chase Budinger), expiring contracts and draft picks the Nuggets covet. The Rockets, who have won 10 of their past 13 games, feel confident they would be able to convince Anthony to sign long-term with them once he was part of their team.

Denver is trying to put Al Harrington and his five-year, $33 million deal into any trade it makes for Anthony.