Jodie Valade of the Dallas Morning News is reporting that trade talks between the Mavericks and Denver Nuggets have escalated just hours before Thursday's 5 p.m. trade deadline, league sources said, to the point that the teams are seriously considering a blockbuster deal swapping major players: Denver's Nick Van Exel and Raef LaFrentz and the Mavericks' Juwan Howard.

If an agreement is reached, the Mavericks would land the coveted LaFrentz and disgruntled Van Exel as centerpieces. The deal also would include swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad and point guard Avery Johnson.

Dallas would surrender Howard and his $18.75 million salary for this season along with Tim Hardaway and role players who could include Donnell Harvey or Greg Buckner.

The Mavericks are also exploring numerous other possibilities in case the deal breaks down.

It appears the Mavericks would keep Van Exel, although they likely could move him to New York. The Mavericks had earlier discussed a swap with the Knicks involving Marcus Camby, Shandon Anderson and Charlie Ward for Howard.