With Carmelo Anthony back in Denver's lineup, Nets continue to pursue trade options

Carmelo Anthony returned to the Denver Nuggets’ lineup Saturday night after a two-week absence due to the death of his sister, and played in the team’s victory over the Sacramento Kings. Likewise, the Nets can now get back to the business of trying to convince the Nuggets to trade him to New Jersey.

It’s been reported the Nuggets are seeking to acquire five first-round picks for Anthony — not all of which would come from the Nets — and they want to dump salaries, too. The Nets appear willing to do almost whatever they have to do to accommodate the Nuggets if it means getting Anthony. So while they are confident their standing offer of Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy and two first-round picks is better than any other team can make in a straight-up deal for Anthony, they are willing to involve other teams if that’s what they have to do.

The Nets likely will do it even if it means trading point guard Devin Harris, although they’d need to get back a starting-quality point guard in that scenario.