http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-101029-31/latest-carmelo-anthony-trade-watch

Q: Don't the Nuggets lose trade leverage every day that passes leading up to the Feb. 24 trading deadline?

That's a popular theory. It assumes that the Nuggets are doomed to field lesser offers as the deadline nears because the whole NBA will be able to smell their desperation.

Yet, that's only a theory. Another plugged-in rival executive swore that no one knows for sure, no matter what you hear he's heard.

The first exec would argue that the Nuggets could "actually gain leverage" by waiting, given that players who signed contracts over the summer become eligible to be traded Dec. 15, potentially adding several new names to existing trade scenarios.

He also said he believes that the Nets are so determined to win the Melo Sweepstakes that Denver could easily go back to New Jersey in January, if nothing appetizing materializes in December, and still assemble a deal that would land them Nets rookie Derrick Favors and multiple future first-round picks.

One prominent player agent sees another benefit to waiting for the Nuggets. No teams out there have had time to get off to disastrous starts. What if, say, Chicago stumbles badly out of the gate? The Bulls hypothetically might be willing a month from now to part with assets they deem untouchable today.

They don't want us posting whole articles, so I just put in one section. It's a good read. Talks about Melo being fully invested and not mentally checked out. Talks about Melo not having completely closed the door on returning, but that it is unlikely. Talks about offers potentially getting better, as in the quote above.