The Nets are "further along" in talks with the Nuggets on a blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony than they have been ever before, according to sources.

A three-team deal involving the Pistons that would include at least 15 players could be completed as soon as this week.

According to sources, the primary framework of the trade would ship Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton to New Jersey; Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Anthony Morrow and at least two first-round picks to Denver and Troy Murphy and Johan Petro to Detroit.

One key to the advancing nature of negotiations, sources said, is New Jersey and Denver's willingness to complete a trade without asking Detroit to surrender a first-round pick.

Still, one source insists that the Pistons taking on Petro's contract could be a potential snag.