The latest NBA trade rumors have the Clippers and New York Knicks at a stalemate since both sides could not give what the other is asking for.
The Clippers strongly refuse to part with any of their own Big Three (Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan). This is something that Phil Jackson has accepted and has taken consideration of before the whole process started.
He has compromised his wish list to veteran guards like Jamal Crawford, JJ Redick and even Austin Rivers, son of Clippers GM/Coach Doc Rivers.
However, in a recent ESPN report from Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein, even those pieces may not be available.
"The recent thumb injury suffered by Anthony's good friend Chris Paul has complicated matters, with the Clippers reluctant to part with two of their healthy guards -- Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers and J.J. Redick -- in any trade while Paul is sidelined."
The Knicks are also reluctant to take back Crawford because of his lengthy deal. Thus, the "conflicting interests" could push both sides to seek a third team.
The role of the third team would be to provide assets for the Knicks as well as additional assets for the Clippers. But it will also force the Blake Griffin trade.
Griffin cannot be traded to the Knicks directly because of the CBA rules (as explained in this report) because he is on a designated player maximum extension. Rules state that a team can only trade for one such player and the Knicks already have Derrick Rose.
According to Forbes contributor Matt Connolly, "the Clippers could help their cause by involving a third trade partner, though, dealing Griffin elsewhere before they're forced to choose between him and Paul this offseason (both are likely to opt out)."
Griffin or Paul could leave the Clippers but Carmelo's presence could somehow help to secure CP3. If the Clippers do trade Griffin, the best destinations could be the Boston Celtics or Denver Nuggets.
Both the Celtics and Nuggets have enough young players to send off in a deal, but both teams would probably need to get some form of assurance that Griffin will re-sign with them.
In the meantime, exchanging Griffin for Anthony adds at least a year of security for the Clips as Anthony's player option doesn't apply until the end of next season. Anthony is also a stretch four more than Griffin and that may be more applicable for their offense.