Prokhorov
If this story is accurate and Prokhorov is not "negotiating," then this really changes the landscape.
I wonder if Melo would even prefer to stay in Denver than play for the Nets. If he would have signed his extension in connection with a trade to the Nets, then Denver will have made a major blunder, unless, of course, it makes Melo more likely to sign with Denver.
Perhaps we have come full circle. How much does Melo insist on the security of the current CBA extended contract? How willing is Denver to play chicken with Melo and refuse 'reasonable' trades with the likes of the Knicks or Chicago? In any event, I believe this increases substantially our chances of signing Melo.