The Celtics reportedly told the Knicks they weren’t interested in a Carmelo Anthony trade.
But -- with Anthony apparently willing to waive his no-trade clause for Boston and Anthony interest divided there -- this rumor won’t die.
Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe
Phil Jackson mouthpiece Charley Rosen, starting this latest round of Anthony trade talk, wrote Anthony would accept trades only to the Cavaliers or Clippers. And while the Knicks are still discussing trades with the Cavs (who rejected an Anthony-Kevin Love deal) and Clippers, perhaps the pool of viable suitors is wider than initially anticipated.
Still, even if Anthony is amenable, a New York-Boston trade would require Ainge’s consent. Anthony, due $26,243,760 plus a portion of his trade bonus next season, would seriously impede the Celtics’ flexibility. He’d cost draft picks (though likely not one of the Nets’ highly coveted first-rounders) and talented players. Anthony would also add minus defense to a team already slipping on that end, and his isolation-heavy offense would disrupt Boston’s style.
Perhaps, Stevens can soften Ainge’s concerns on the last two points. But that’s still a lot to overcome before Ainge approves.