CLEVELAND -- The New York Knicks sought Tristan Thompson in a potential trade for Carmelo Anthony with the Cavaliers and were rebuffed, two sources told cleveland.com.

The Knicks traded Anthony, 33, a 12-time All-Star and close friend of Cavs superstar LeBron James, to the Thunder on Saturday for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round pick.

Under pressure to deal Anthony before the start of camp this week, the Knick tried to get something going with the Cavs, one of three teams to which Anthony would accept a trade.

The Knicks wanted Thompson, 26, a center who like James is represented by Rich Paul. The Cavs told them no. Thompson is under contract for three more seasons, beginning at $16.4 million this year. Cleveland was willing to do a deal that would've cleared some contracts off the books, such as sending Iman Shumpert ($11 million this year) and others.

Thompson, who averaged 8.1 points and 9.2 boards last season, is a solid pick-and-roll defender and rebounder and was coach Tyronn Lue's starter at center last year. Lue is considering multiple lineups, including one where Love plays center and Jae Crowder moves into the frontcourt.

New York also asked about one of Cleveland's two first-round choices for 2018, and the Cavs weren't about to part with either.

The Cavs view the Brooklyn pick they own for 2018 as invaluable for multiple reasons. Trading the Knicks their own first-round pick would prevent them from being able to move the Brooklyn pick later this season.

If there's a bit of irony to this, one of the potential teams the Cavs might've eventually dealt the Brooklyn pick was the Thunder, in the event Oklahoma City's season didn't go as planned and the team made Russell Westbrook or Paul George available.

By adding Anthony, the Thunder are now considered a legitimate threat in the West to Golden State. It would not seem Oklahoma City will be sellers at the trade deadline.