The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to rekindle their interest in a potential blockbuster trade involving All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, per Marc Beerman of the New York Post. With the Clippers bowing out of the playoffs once again, Beerman sees the possibility of the Clippers re-opening trade talks with the Knicks for Anthony a possibility.
The undying Melo trade
The analyst said that he was told that the Clippers tried to bring in Anthony as early as the mid-season trade deadline, but Knicks president of basketball operation Phil Jackson was not interested in any trade packages on the table at that time.
“According to sources, the Clippers were interested in obtaining Anthony before the Feb. 23 trade deadline, but the Knicks turned down all of their offers — none of it making sense for Jackson at the time. More options will spring open this summer, including Redick’s free agency. With the Knicks lacking 3-point prowess, Redick is a 3-point marksman who wasn’t made available in January and February,” said Beerman, who thinks a package of Austin Rivers ($11.8MM salary) and JJ Reddick (newly signed at $11MM per year) would be enough to meet the Knicks’ asking price.
Beerman also throws in Courtney Lee ($11.7MM for next season) as another player who could be sent along with Melo to Los Angeles. But of course, the trade will hinge on Chris Paul’s decision of whether or not he stays in Los Angeles.
However, sources close to situation are reporting that Paul will indeed stay and sign the super-max extension deal worth $205 million over five years. He was also one of the players pushing for a Melo trade at the deadline.
Unpredictable Griffin
All-Star power forward teammate Blake Griffin has yet to show any signs of staying in Los Angeles.
Griffin, who underwent a successful surgery to repair a fractured bone in his right toe, is reportedly taking a wait-and-see approach heading into free agency.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times noted that Paul and Griffin expressed their desire to re-sign with the Clippers, but Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN said he was told by a Clippers insider that Griffin is not a lock.
In fact, there is a possibility that he might entertain offers privately.
“It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Paul go through a public process of taking meetings with other teams before re-signing with the Clippers, while Griffin is more likely to go through the process privately and perhaps land elsewhere,” writes Arnovitz.
