The Clippers engaged the Knicks about a Carmelo Anthony trade that doesn’t include Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan – and New York appears open to it.

Why?

Probably because the other teams the Knicks approached about an Anthony trade, the Cavaliers and Celtics, rejected the overtures.

ESPN:

Sources told ESPN that the Boston Celtics let the Knicks know they have no interest in Anthony.

This isn’t quite the Celtics not being interested in Anthony. It might be that, but this is just the Celtics telling the Knicks they’re not interested in Anthony. It could be a negotiating ploy.

The Celtics could use another scorer, but they also don’t need another subpar defender and should be wary of someone who has too often halted offensive flow. Boston wants to preserve salary-cap flexibility until making a big splash. At age 32, Anthony might not be worth the cost.

It’s also possible the Celtics aren’t interested because of the perceived asking price. Perhaps, they’d be more receptive to Anthony trade talks if they learned New York was seeking less than expected.

Anthony possesses a no-trade clause, so there’s a closed market for his services. The Knicks probably won’t get a massive return for him. Whether or not the Celtics are intentionally trying to lower New York’s asking price, I wouldn’t be surprised if Boston takes another look at an Anthony trade if New York is committed to moving him for whatever it can get, no matter how little.