Carmelo Anthony

If the Rockets or Nets can present an offer that is agreeable to the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony is open to being traded to, and signing a long-term extension with, one of these two clubs.

The story was reported by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, citing multiple league sources familiar with the situation.

The Knicks are believed to be Anthony’s top choice.

Real GM

Jay-Z, LeBron James

Did LeBron James run afoul of “old friend” Jay-Z?

The Internet is popping with a report that the hip-hop magnate, who is also a minority owner of the New Jersey Nets, is upset that James kept him out of the loop on his decision to join the Miami team.

The website Mediatakeout.com quotes an “EXTREMELY CREDIBLE insider” — the capital letters are meant to underscore the source’s supposed reliability — saying “Jay-Z felt disrespected that King James did not consult with him during the free agency process.

FanNation

Jordan Farmar

ordan Farmar agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Nets late Sunday, which plugs one of the two remaining holes in the team’s rotation.

The sharp-shooting point guard was a valuable member of a two-time championship team, but he became expendable after the Lakers upgraded their backup lead guard spot by signing Steve Blake.

The deal is contingent on Farmar passing a physical, but team president Rod Thorn believes the four-year pro from UCLA will be “an excellent complement” to Devin Harris in the Nets backcourt.

HoopsWorld

Jerry Colangelo

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said in an interview that Rajon Rondo has committed to Team USA.

During the weekend, Colangelo learned officially that Deron Williams and Chris Paul, both holdovers from the 2008 Olympic team, will not be playing.

Colangelo also said Sunday that Phoenix center Robin Lopez has been added to the roster, making it 22 players who will be in Las Vegas for the July 20-24 training camp. His twin brother, New Jersey center Brook Lopez, already is on the roster.

HoopsWorld

Tyrus Thomas

Tyrus Thomas could receive a heavily frontloaded offer sheet from the Nets, according to league sources.

If the Nets are unable to sign LeBron James, Chris Bosh or Dwyane Wade, then Thomas would become a prime target. Since Thomas is a restricted free agent, the Bobcats would have seven days to make a decision on matching.

Real GM

LeBron James

A league source told the Bergen Record that LeBron James is deciding between the Nets, Cavaliers and Bulls.

James is expected to make a decision by Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Thursday, July 8, is the first day that players can actually begin signing contracts with teams.

Some believe that the longer LeBron takes to decide, the more likely it is that he will leave Cleveland.

Real GM

Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson does not have a deal with the San Antonio Spurs and would prefer to return to the New York area to play for the Knicks or Nets.

Jefferson is seeking a multi-year contract that averages in the range of $8 million-$10 million, sources said.

He opted out of the $15 million final season of his contract with the Spurs.

FanNation

Jay-Z, LeBron James

Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer reports that LeBron James was more impressed with the presentation from the Nets than he was with the presentation from the Knicks.

Both teams met with James on Thursday, the first official day of this year’s NBA free agency.

“Here’s what I hear from yesterday: LeBron interested in Nets pitch but not so much NY. NY trying at moment to secure Amare’ to help cause,” Windhorst wrote on his Twitter page.

Real GM

Larry Coon details just how much salary-cap space each of the teams have entering the free-agent market which officially opens at midnight on Thursday.

The following are best-case scenarios for each of the teams with the most projected cap room:

The Knicks could hold 2.06 max contracts.

The Nets could hold 2.00 max contracts.

The Bulls could hold 1.76 max contracts.

The Heat could hold 1.67 max contracts, even after the team signs its own free agent, Dwyane Wade, to a max contract.

The Clippers could hold 1.02 max contracts.

Real GM

Yi Jianlian

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has acquired Yi Jianlian and cash considerations from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Quinton Ross.

“This trade is a good opportunity to add a skilled seven-footer with significant NBA experience who was the sixth overall pick in the draft just three years ago,” said Grunfeld.

“Yi fits in very well with our ongoing plan of building towards the future with a core of young, talented players.”

Inside Hoops