With the NBA trading deadline just three weeks away, general managers throughout the league can expect plenty of phone calls about swapping players and draft picks. This year, two big names in the Eastern Conference have been the subject of intense talk.
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in dealing star forward Carmelo Anthony, while the Cleveland Cavaliers may part ways with versatile big man Kevin Love, who has seen a sharp improvement after some lackluster play last season. The Knicks and Cavs have had discussions about swapping the two players in recent days, but the two sides have yet to agree on a deal.
The delay might be due to complexities surrounding contracts. Sources have reportedly told ESPN’s Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne that the Knicks’ trade talks with the Cavs and Los Angeles Clippers may have to include multiple teams due to the $54.2 million and two years left on Anthony’s contract after this season.
The Cavs are reportedly interested in Anthony but don’t want to include Love. The defending champions have a strong shot at reaching the Finals and have been helped by the improved play of Love. Last season, he averaged 16.0 points per game and 9.9 rebounds after suffering an injury in the 2015 Playoffs. Love is averaging 19.9 points per game and 11.0 rebounds this season, while shooting a slightly better percentage from the field.
There are reports that the Knicks would be willing to deal Anthony to the Clippers without accepting Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan or Blake Griffin — leaving players like Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick the only other suitable options.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are reportedly not interested in Anthony. The Celtics have the second-best record in the East and may have little interest in taking on a big salary.
Anthony’s former team, the Denver Nuggets, may be the most active Western Conference team before the deadline. Reports have surfaced this week that forward Wilson Chandler, guard Emmanuel Mudiay and veteran Jameer Nelson may be involved in possible deals. After several disappointing seasons, the Nuggets have a strong shot at a playoff berth with the ninth-best record in the West.
One deal has already come to fruition. On Thursday, the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets swapped big men, with Miles Plumlee moving to Charlotte for Spencer Hawes and Roy Hibbert.
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