With the looming possibility of Carmelo Anthony departing New York as a free agent this summer, New York Knicks officials have discussed proposing a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers for Blake Griffin, according to league sources.
Sources say Clippers management has also had internal discussions about such a deal but that the clubs have not yet spoken to one another about a potential trade.
As of now, neither team is certain that it would make an Anthony-for-Griffin trade, the sources said, and talks still in the rumor stage.
The idea that New York would consider this isn't shocking. The team's been a disaster despite the surprising win over the Spurs Thursday and with Anthony a prospective free agent, they have to consider their options.
While the high-scoring Anthony is likely to lean towards re-signing to keep the $30 million the team with his rights can offer him, there's also the possibility he leaves, or worse yet, opts in for next season and then pulls a similar trade demand as the one that landed him in New York.
But for the Clippers, it's a much more complicated problem. Their problem isn't offense, it's interior defense. Moving Griffin for Melo doesn't necessarily help them in the areas they need. However, a deal involving DeAndre Jordan along with Griffin gives the Knicks a young core and a move for Tyson Chandler along with Melo gives the Clippers the rim protector they've been desperate for.
The close friendship between Chris Paul and Anthony should not be overlooked either, or the reports that Griffin and Paul don't get along.
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