Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to deal for Carmelo Anthony over the weekend. The package Oklahoma City sent over, however, wasn’t the only deal on the table for the New York Knicks. According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Knicks had their eyes on Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson.
Under pressure to deal Anthony before the start of camp this week, the Knick tried to get something going with the Cavs, one of three teams to which Anthony would accept a trade.
The Knicks wanted Thompson, 26, a center who like James is represented by Rich Paul. The Cavs told them no. Thompson is under contract for three more seasons, beginning at $16.4 million this year. Cleveland was willing to do a deal that would’ve cleared some contracts off the books, such as sending Iman Shumpert ($11 million this year) and others.
It’s not surprising that the Cavaliers would be reticent to give up Thompson. Cleveland extended the Canadian center last summer, and it looks as if the team sees him as a part of their core. Thompson is also a big part of what the team does both offensively and defensively.
Thompson averaged eight points and nine rebounds last season. The Cavaliers live off of his rebounding and athleticism
Vardon goes on to report that the Knicks also inquired about Cleveland’s first-round picks. “New York also asked about one of Cleveland’s two first-round choices for 2018,” Vardon said. “And the Cavs weren’t about to part with either.”
New York’s asking price for Anthony was apparently too high. Presti sold the Knicks’ front office on Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a second-round pick. Anthony expanded his list of desired destinations in hopes his time in New York wouldn’t bleed over into the upcoming season. The Knicks had every incentive to oblige and deal Anthony; even if that meant settling for plan B.
