Report: Celtics not talking Carmelo Anthony trade because Knicks believed to be seeking huge return

The Celtics reportedly told the Knicks they weren’t interested in trading for Carmelo Anthony.

Why?

I listed a few possible reasons:

1. An actual desire to keep Anthony off this Boston team.
2. Playing hardball to gain leverage.
3. Believing the Knicks’ asking price was too high.

It seems there’s truth to No. 3.

Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald:

According to multiple sources, there have been, as of the weekend, no formal trade talks between the Celts and New York, but that was largely because the Knicks are believed to be asking a Melo’s ransom for the star.

The Knicks have engaged the Clippers about an Anthony that includes neither Chris Paul, Blake Griffin nor DeAndre Jordan. Maybe New York isn’t holding out for an otherworldly return.

If the Celtics want to make a push, it’s not too late. Anthony is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause for Boston.

There are still numerous hurdles -- Danny Ainge and Phil Jackson agreeing to trade terms and Anthony actually allowing the deal. It’s one thing to be willing generally to OK a trade to another team. It’s another to finalize the approval.

But Anthony’s no-trade clause creates a closed market, limiting New York’s haul. I wouldn’t completely close the door on the Celtics, with their abundance of assets, determining they can afford to acquire Anthony.