The Nets continue to pursue Carmelo Anthony with a quiet confidence that they will be able to convince Anthony to sign a long-term contract extension with the team once the structure of a trade is agreed upon with Denver.

A new scenario brings in the Pistons and could land Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups in New Jersey with Anthony, though the latest form of the deal does not meet Detroit's approval.

The Nuggets have been negotiating almost exclusively with the Nets for weeks. 

New Jersey apparently will remain in the hunt for Anthony until the superstar forward tells the Nets directly that he is not willing to sign a contract extension with the team.