Via Andrew Marchand at the New York Post:

NBC Sports has declined ESPN’s initial request to engage in trade talks to acquire Al Michaels, according to sources.

“We look forward to Al completing his contract and calling ‘Sunday Night Football’ games on NBC,” Greg Hughes, an NBC Sports spokesman, told The Post.

Marchand reported last week that ESPN wanted to pair Michaels with Peyton Manning for Monday Night Football and replace the duo of Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland.

What now?

If I’m ESPN I’m offering CBS whatever they want for Kevin Harlan. Multiple draft picks, cash considerations, broadcasters to be named later, etc. Name your price. Harlan is currently my #1 sports broadcaster in America.