The Boston Celtics could be the third-team to complete the New York Knicks' proposal of trading Carmelo Anthony to the Los Angeles Clippers.
There are plenty of rumors going around the Knicks, particularly regarding the immediate future of Anthony in the Big Apple. According to ESPN's report, the Knicks have explored trading the 32-year-old to the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to be rebuffed by the defending champs as it would cost them Kevin Love.
While the trade proposal did not gain much of the Cavs' interest, other teams would surely consider adding Anthony to their roster. According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein, the Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers are looking for a third-team facilitator to "keep the prospect of completing a Carmelo Anthony deal."
"Sources told ESPN that the Knicks continue to discuss the prospect of sending Anthony to Los Angeles without taking any of the Clippers' top three stars but have struggled to find a trade construction that works for both teams involving the other players on L.A.'s roster," ESPN reported.
There are a handful of teams that could serve as the third-team in a blockbuster deal involving the Knicks and Clips. A team like the Boston Celtics that have plenty of tradable assets would be the perfect facilitator for a three-way blockbuster deal.
It is no secret that the Celtics are still looking to add another proven star to help them become legit title contenders. But such may also cause them key players essential for Boston's success this season. Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders believes the Celtics could only opt for "marginal upgrades" as they may hold onto their tradable pieces after the season.
"With Isaiah Thomas playing at superstar levels and the rest of the team playing within their respective roles, Ainge may opt to make marginal upgrades while holding onto his major assets for after the season," Blancarte noted.
With that said, the Celtics could address their defense and rebounding problems via three-team deal with the Clippers and Knicks. The Clippers have no intentions of trading their Big Three, who New York would want in any potential transaction.
Including Boston in the mix, the Knicks could send Anthony the Clippers while getting Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick in return. The Celtics would then send Jonas Jerebko to Los Angeles for Wesley Johnson and Brandon Bass, who could help address the team's need of defense and rebounding. It is still unclear whether the Celtics would approve of such move, but it works under the NBA salary guidelines.
Whether the Celtics would explore such move remains to be seen, but this is the type of minimal upgrade the Cs would want. Doc Rivers may work out his connection with the Celtics organization to make this happen.
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