Carmelo Anthony to Boston Celtics deal is reportedly still in play. Marc Beerman of the New York Post reported that this particular - which was thought to be dead after the Celtics shunned it at the trade deadline - could resurface again this summer.
According to the league insider, the Celtics coaching staffs were in favor of trading for Anthony in February, but GM Danny Ainge's reluctance to absorb the All-Star forward's humongous contract ultimately led to its demise.
"The Celtics coaching staff was in favor of trading for Anthony at the trade deadline, but general manager Danny Ainge had too many reservations. One of Ainge's concerns, according to a source, was an Anthony trade would have given Boston no real cap space to work with for the 2017 free-agent class," Berman stated.
Boston has been long viewed as potential destination for Anthony, who direly needs a fresh environment after another dramatic-filled season with the New York Knicks. Moreover, his deteriorating relationship with New York president of basketball operations Phil Jackson along with the team's depleted roster are two more reasons why he could waive his non-trade clause.
According to Beerman, Jackson has been eyeing defensive-oriented small forward Jae Crowder as potential trade target. The Knicks president reportedly likes the player's defense first mentality along with his versatility.
"The Post has learned that in talks with the Celtics, their defensive small forward Jae Crowder would be a major player of interest for Knicks president Phil Jackson. In fact, Jackson lamented not trading for Crowder when he was on the table in the 2014 trade talks with the Mavericks for Tyson Chandler. Crowder is an active, gritty defender who can shoot from 3-point range."
The Celtics are on the verge of advancing to the second round of the playoffs after falling down 0-2 to the Chicago Bulls early in their best-of-seven matchup. Head coach Brad Stevens had done an outstanding job leading this team to 53 wins and potentially a second-round stint in the playoffs.
