With the trade deadline approaching soon, the rumors surrounding some of the league’s biggest potential trade targets is sure to heat up. Arguably the biggest name that could be available is New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony and the Knicks have recently met to determine his future in New York and whether or not he would waive his no-trade clause. The Knicks have struggled this season and many are calling for the team to build around Kristaps Porzingis, but that is difficult as long as Anthony is still on the roster.
The Knicks have apparently looked for some trade possibilities already and went to the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Marc Stein and Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Knicks called the Cavs to gauge interest in a potential Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love swap:
The Knicks have tried — unsuccessfully — to engage the Cavaliers in Carmelo Anthony-for-Kevin Love trade talks in advance of the league’s Feb. 23 trade deadline, ESPN.com has learned.
League sources told ESPN.com on Wednesday that the Knicks have approached the Cavaliers to gauge their interest in swapping All-Star forwards but were told that Cleveland is not interested in such an exchange.
The potential of teaming up with longtime friend LeBron James would likely be enough to get Carmelo to waive his no-trade clause. But after Love’s performance in the NBA Finals last year, and his improvement this season, it makes sense that the Cavs wouldn’t be interested.
Love is enjoying his best year in Cleveland, averaging 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds while shooting over 37 percent from three-point range. Anthony is currently averaging 22.6 points and 6.0 rebounds.
With that deal off the table the Knicks will have to turn elsewhere if they hope to move Anthony before the trade deadline.
