Carmelo Anthony (left) and Kevin Love could have switched places, according to ESPN.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar LeBron James has been vocal about adding a playmaker to their already stacked roster, and perhaps the organization didn’t believe Carmelo Anthony would fit the bill.
NBA: Frustrated LeBron bemoans Cavs organization
The New York Knicks, as per ESPN, offered their perennial All-Star to the defending champions in exchange for their starting power forward Kevin Love. However, the Ohio-based franchise reportedly turned down what could have been one of the biggest trades in league history.
Story posting now with @chrisbhaynes: ESPN sources say Knicks HAVE tried to engage Cleveland in Melo-for-Love trade talks but were rebuffed
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 25, 2017
At 32-years-old, Anthony remains one of the deadliest scorers in the NBA and is also known to be a close friend of James.
Despite having a full no-trade clause plus a trade kicker guarantee in his contract, rumors of discord between Anthony and Knicks president Phil Jackson have fueled speculations that the burly forward might be on his way out of the Big Apple.
Love, on the other hand, has had a rocky start with the Cavs since being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014. In his third year with the team, he has finally found a niche with the squad, acclimatizing well with his teammates.
The former UCLA Bruin also played a vital role in last year’s NBA finals, and was instrumental to the Cavs’ historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors.
Stats-wise, both players are having solid seasons, with Melo averaging 22.6 points and six rebounds on 37.1 percent shooting for the slumping Knicks, while Love has been playing well with 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds, shooting 37.4 from behind the arc. Khristian Ibarrola