Ken Berger continues to write that Carmelo Anthony's intent is to wind up in New York with the Knicks.  

But Tuesday's three-team trade, in which New Jersey acquired two first-round picks, indicates that the Nets may be arming themselves to make another push to deal for Anthony.  

Or are they?

A rival executive described as familiar with New Jersey's months-long effort to land Anthony said, "[The Nets] got word that Melo will not sign there. They can't get it done."

Apparently the Nets have -- at least up until now -- received repeated assurances from Anthony's camp that he would, in fact, agree to extend his contract with the team.

Berger's source flatly contradicts these apparent assurances.

"The person who provided this information could not have been more unequivocal -- and could not have been closer to Anthony's inner circle," writes Berger.

Chris Sheridan is emphatic in stating that the Nets are out of the hunt for Anthony and reports a similar story:  While the Nets may have received a different message from Anthony's representatives and Denver management, Anthony himself has decided against signing an extension with any team to which he would be traded other than the Knicks.

"[The Nets] believe they are [still in the sweepstakes for Anthony], because that is what they are being told by the Nuggets and by Anthony's camp," Sheridan writes. "But the reality is that they are out of it and have been for a long time, and it behooves Denver to create the illusion that other destinations besides New York are still in play."

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that Anthony has not ruled out signing with the Nets, who stand ready to send their charismatic owner to try to woo the star forward to New Jersey.  A group of Denver and New Jersey beat writers agree with Wojnarowski, continuing to report that the Nets are still very much alive in the chase to acquire Anthony.