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As most know by now, the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers could be close to closing a deal for Carmelo Anthony. A third team is suggested with the Knicks uninterested in Jamal Crawford. Crawford is a former Knick but the reason behind the shunning is because of his lengthy deal.

Crawford holds a $45 million contract with the Clippers that runs through three seasons. Knicks president Phil Jackson is no inclined to commit to long-term deals for now despite the proven stock of the talented guard. Crawford played for the Knicks from 2004-2008 before he was traded to the Golden State Warriors for Al Harrington, ESPN reported.

With Crawford out, it seems that the Knicks are targeting Austin Rivers and/ or J.J. Reddick. Carmelo Anthony does carry a no-trade clause in his contract but the all-star forward is expected to easily waive that once a definite destination is found. The value of Reddick and Rivers contracts may not be enough, hence the need for a conduit team to come in, Fox Sports reported.

Though that may sound credible, the Clippers are still weighing their options. With Chris Paul out due to injury, dealing away Reddick and/or Rivers could affect their backcourt rotation. Jackson seems to be looking for guards in exchange for Anthony after clearing that he is not after Blake Griffin. Also, getting Griffin may not work out alongside Derrick Rose’s pact per the new CBA.

Until anything is ironed out, Carmelo Anthony will need to play through the adversity of NBA trade talks. Though he looms as a good addition, it is his hefty contract that other teams are wary about. The Cavs have not closed the possibility of taking in Melo but on the condition that he is a free agent and amenable to a restricted or new deal.