Last night, as the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend festivities were beginning there was a small rumor that rocked the NBA world for a little bit. Knicks star Carmelo Anthony was reportedly being shopped to get sent out of New York and team up with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Another LeBron James superteam was reportedly going to happen at the expense of Kevin Love going to the Boston Celtics.
There was just one problem with this rumor. Carmelo Anthony controls the fate of Carmelo Anthony.
As one of the six players in the NBA to have a no-trade clause in his contract, the reported trade of Anthony going to the Cavs and Kevin Love going to the Celtics with the Knicks receiving expiring contracts and draft picks all hinged on one thing. Carmelo Anthony’s no-trade clause.
Well, it now appears that Melo has shut down any possible rumors in a matter of a minute.
Carmelo said the following, courtesy of Sirius XM NBA.
To make it even more clear, LeBron James, who is considering by many in the NBA to be the ‘de facto general manager’ of the Cleveland Cavaliers says it’s a false report, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver.
Cavaliers' LeBron James on trade rumor involving Kevin Love and Knicks' Carmelo Anthony: "It's false."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 13, 2016
Melo shutting this rumor down just kills any and all hope of this huge three-team deal. The trade could work for all sides, especially considering that it was rumored that the Knicks would receive that coveted unprotected Brooklyn Nets draft pick that the Boston Celtics currently own.
LeBron James will have to wait a little longer to form his super team and for now, He’ll have to settle for a former All-Star and player who once averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds in Kevin Love.
