Sources close to Carmelo Anthony tell Chris Broussard that he is reluctant to agree to a trade to the Nets, which he can essentially veto by refusing to sign a long-term contract extension with New Jersey.

Anthony, the sources say, is willing to hold out until the trade deadline in an attempt to force Denver to deal him to the Knicks. The thinking is that the Nuggets would accept New York's offer rather than risk losing Anthony for nothing in the summer.

A good start by the Nets, who are now 2-0 on the young season, might change Anthony's mind.