So, while most of us were sleeping, Marc Berman floated a saucy rumor that Carmelo Anthony would consider waiving his no-trade clause. It's a carefully worded report that-- if you think about it-- doesn't actually say anything. If Melo wants to be traded, he will make it so. That's the story. That's obvious. The report uses the phrase "willingness to consider." Willingness to consider! That's not even a trade rumor. Anyway, Melo and his agent wasted no time tearing down that which didn't really require tearing:

Carmelo's agent Leon Rose: "Carmelo, as always, is committed to the Knicks. There have never been discussions about trades....(continued) — Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) December 12, 2014

Leon Rose continued:..."or wanting to leave New York. Any story, rumor, report to the contrary is utter nonsense." — Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) December 12, 2014

Carmelo shoots down idea that he's considering waiving his no-trade clause. Says he won't run from "adversity." #Knicks — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 12, 2014

Carmelo: "After all the work I did to get here and get back here? If I was to get up and want to leave now that would just make me weak." — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 12, 2014

Melo naming specific character flaws he'd have to be thinking about a trade 20 games in sure makes it seem like this isn't a real thing to consider. I'm so curious, then, who leaked stuff to Berman with the intent of making it a thing.

But yeah, if Melo ever gets tired of the Knicks, he can make a trade possible. It would require moving his large contract (plus trade kicker) along with him, so it wouldn't be easy. We knew all this. And we know Melo's been frustrated. The Knicks are losing, and losing is not fun. I don't detect any special drama here, at least not yet.

Incidentally, Melo and J.R. Smith are out again:

Derek Fisher says Carmelo (knee) and JR Smith (heel) are unlikely to play vs. Boston tonight. — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 12, 2014

The Knicks do still play basketball!