The Knicks reportedly reached out to the Celtics about a Carmelo Anthony trade
Anthony has a no-trade clause, but the Knicks have been testing the trade market for their All-Star forward.
The New York Knicks have gauged the Celtics’ interest in acquiring Carmelo Anthony, according to a new report from Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Mannix of The Vertical.
Citing league sources, the report says that the Knicks have reached out to three teams, the Celtics, Clippers, and Cavaliers, as team president Phil Jackson attempts to find a new home for his 32-year-old forward. New York is a disappointing 20-27 this season and is hoping to start building around young 7-footer Kristaps Porzingis, according to the report.
Anthony’s current contract contains a number of obstacles that could be complicating factors in any potential deal. The small forward is in the second year of a five-year deal worth $124 million. Currently, he is earning $24.6 million during the 2016-2017 season, but he is also owed a 15 percent trade kicker if moved. The final year of Anthony’s deal in 2019-2020 is a player option.
Additionally, the nine-time All-Star is one of the few players in the NBA that have a full no-trade clause. Anthony’s given no indication that he’s looking to leave the Big Apple, although that stance has started to soften in recent comments to ESPN.com on Wednesday.
“I mean, if they want to go in a different direction, that’s something that I have to consider,” Anthony said. “I would have to consider that. Like I said, all the talk that’s going on right now, that’s out of my control. Nobody called me. Nobody got in contact with any of my representation or anything like that, so it’s something that I don’t worry about. I’m not thinking about that right now.”
Anthony is currently averaging 22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game during his 14th NBA season.
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