Report: Celtics attempted to trade for Carmelo Anthony

CSNNE

SHERROD BLAKELY

A couple of years ago, rumors swirled that the Celtics were poised to make a run at Carmelo Anthony in free agency to build a new Big Three of Anthony, Rajon Rondo (who was still with the C's) and Kevin Love (whom they hoped to obtain in a trade with Minnesota). None of it came to pass, of course, and there were plenty in Celtics Nation delighted that the ball-hogging 'Melo stayed in New York.

But that doesn't mean Danny Ainge's interest in Anthony ended.

According to ESPN, "league sources with knowledge of the situation" report that the Celtics approached the Knicks prior to the trade deadline and "expressed interest in obtaining Anthony".

However . . .

"Boston was informed that Anthony had no desire to leave the Knicks via trade to play for the Celtics, sources say."

Rumors had circulated that the Celts were attempting to broker a three-way deal that would have sent 'Melo to Cleveland while Love -- there's that man again -- came from the Cavs, which is where the Timberwolves ended up trading him, to Boston. This is the first time, however, that C's were reported to actually have interest in Anthony.

But it looks like 'Melo doesn't want to come here.

To which many in Boston no doubt breathe a huge sigh of relief.

112288

This rumor makes no sense. I just cannot believe Danny would trade for an over priced, declining, old player with a bad knee.

The trade was for Love not Melo to begin with, and what would the Knicks want but a boat load of assets from the Knicks..............for what?

112288

Sometimes you just can get by with damn fool luck. We got lucky Melo said no.


bob


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Maybe I'm in conspiracy theory mode, but this seems like part of a shadow effort to convince teams, players, and fans that the Celtics are a real option for free agents and trades. The Dwight Howard rumors, Ainge's declaration after the deadline that they were close to making a deal for a big-name player, now this Melo rumor...

Ainge's comment is so vague as to mean nothing, and neither Howard nor Melo make sense from a basketball standpoint. Why bring in aging, hugely expensive stars who are breaking down physically? Nothing happened, but all the talk works in Ainge's favor building toward the summer.