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New York Knicks: LeBron James Speaks On Carmelo Anthony Rumors

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) react as James is called for a foul during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) react as James is called for a foul during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony’s name as been mentioned a lot on trade rumors and LeBron James shared his thoughts on the situation.

The New York Knicks have been mentioned in the news and rumor mill a lot recently; a lot of that talks has revolved around Carmelo Anthony. Anthony has been adamant in his stance of wanting to stay in New York, but the front office has other plans.

Reports indicated recently that Knicks President Phil Jackson was determined to trade Anthony prior to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 23rd. That is a complicated move, as Anthony has a full no-trade clause and a 15 percent trade kicker.

Anthony is one of three players in the NBA with a full no-trade contract; the others are Dirk Nowitzki and Anthony’s best friend, LeBron James.

More from Carmelo Anthony

James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are facing off with the Knicks tonight on ABC Primetime. Unsurprisingly, James was asked about what he thought in regards to the Anthony rumors, some of which include the Cavaliers.

"“I just want the best for my friend, no matter what it is,” James told reporters in Cleveland before the Cavaliers traveled to New York for their game against the Knicks on Saturday night. “If [Anthony’s] there in New York or if not, I just want the best for him. I want him to be happy.“The game comes very easy to you when you’re happy where you are. If he’s happy in New York, maybe he wants to be elsewhere. I’m not sure. He’s done a lot for that franchise. He did a lot for the Denver franchise as well. We’ll see what happens.”"

The Knicks and Cavaliers have engaged in some conversations about a trade for Anthony. The Knicks asked for Kevin Love in exchanged for Anthony, which they turned down. They remain interested in acquiring Anthony but have stayed firm on their stance to not include Love.

The Knicks continue to push to acquire Love in exchange for Anthony, but it will be a long shot that a one-for-one swap comes to fruition. On Friday Love said he plans to be with the Cavaliers for a long time.

Next: Would Carmelo Anthony Accept Trade To Boston Celtics?

If Anthony waives his no-trade clause, the Cavaliers are as good a place as any to land. Playing alongside James would give him his best chance at winning a title. But, getting to Cleveland, or traded anywhere, is complicated given his contract.

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