The Nuggets are not aggressively shopping star forward Carmelo Anthony, but according to league sources they are softening their stance on trading him.
Denver has not withdrawn its longstanding offer of a contract extension, but numerous sources told ESPN.com that Nuggets officials have in recent days let other teams know for the first time they will listen to pitches after previously resisting such discussions.
"I'm not sure how soon, but I do think they're going to trade him (between now and February)," one rival general manager said.
Reports have persisted for weeks that Anthony, who can become a free agent at the end of the coming season, wants out.
While several league sources told ESPN.com they feel the Nets have emerged as the front-runner to secure Anthony, Isiah Thomas, who no longer has an affiliation with the NBA or Knicks, believes Anthony will end up in New York or Chicago.