The Boston Celtics reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Carmelo Anthony before the trade deadline but the New York Knicks superstar declined to waive his no-trade clause.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, sources close to the situation revealed that the Celtics reached out to the Knicks about a possible deal for Anthony, who were mentioned in several trade rumors before the deadline.
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The report indicated that it is unclear whether or not the two Eastern Conference teams had advanced talks about the possible trade, but the Celtics were reportedly informed that Anthony does not want to play in Boston. Anthony holds a no-trade clause, which means the Knicks need his approval before finalizing a trade.
Anthony was also mentioned in another trade rumor involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were also one of the most active teams before the deadline on Feb. 18.
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According to Frank Isola of New York Daily News, the Celtics and Cavaliers initially talked about a deal for All-Star power forward Kevin Love. The Celtics reportedly tried to involve the Knicks in a proposal that would unite Anthony with good friend LeBron James in Cleveland.
The Knicks were offered future draft picks and players, which could include Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov, but no deal was reached. The teams involved denied the rumor, while Anthony insisted that he is committed to the Knicks and is determined to win a championship in New York.
"Doing it in New York is better than doing it any place in the world," Anthony said of winning a title. "One in New York is better than multiple somewhere else. That was the reason I wanted to come to New York. That's the reason I'm in New York. I don't want to run."
Anthony, who is playing in the second season of his five-year deal worth $124 million with the Knicks, is averaging 21.4 points on top of 8.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
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