Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and J.R. Smith (5) get a hand on the ball as New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, in Denver.
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and J.R. Smith (5) get a hand on the ball as New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, in Denver. Jack Dempsey, Associated Press
By Associated Press

DENVER — If this was Carmelo Anthony's farewell, he sure didn't go out on a high note.

Anthony scored just eight points in the Denver Nuggets' 96-87 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night, putting a sour finish on a day filled with speculation that the superstar's departure from Denver was close after 7½ seasons.

A person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Sunday night that the Nuggets are closing in on a deal that would send Anthony to New Jersey in a three-team trade.

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Anthony declined to comment on the latest trade speculation before the game, but his performance was one of the worst of his career.

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