Carmelo to Knicks: Don't put Shumpert on trading block

Carmelo Anthony wasn't happy to hear about rumors surrounding Iman Shumpert that the New York Knicks were tendering trade offers for the struggling swingman.

"He shouldn't be worrying about that," Anthony said. "The Knicks shouldn't even be in trade talks right now."

Shumpert — who has had a rough time since his return from ACL surgery — was just plain dismal guarding guard Chris Paul in Sunday's 102-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.  Shumpert scored just two points on 1-of-4 shooting in almost 21 minutes of play while Paul blistered the Knicks for 25 points and seven assists.

Talk about trading the young defensive stud to Phoenix for Jared Dudley and a first-round pick are getting louder.  So loud, head coach Mike Woodson pulled Shumpert aside before the Knicks debacle against the Clippers.

"He said, 'Don't worry about it,'" Shumpert recalled.  "Rumors are rumors. I just got to play ball.  something I can't control."

Woodson said a trade was out of his jurisdiction and up to Knicks brass.

"I don't think you can ever tell a player he's not [on the trading block].  That's kind of out of my hands," said Woodson. "If the owners came to me and said we have to do a deal, then you do the deal. I sat him down and I told him. He knows how I feel."

Shumpert discussed the Paul game and his recent slump.

"It's a challenge to guard a guy like Chris Paul when you're not in the best form," said Shumpert. "Sooner or later, I'll get back to where I was."

If it's up to 'Melo, it'll still be in New York.