Melo plays it cool on deadline eve
Close to a half-dozen times Wednesday, Carmelo Anthony said he was “relaxed’’ in describing his emotions with Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline approaching. Anthony, who has a no-trade clause, indicated Knicks management has nothing brewing and is being led to believe he will face the Cavaliers on Thursday night in Cleveland. The Post reported in Monday’s editions an NBA source said the Knicks believe it is unlikely Anthony will be dealt, with his $28 million trade-kicker contract and limitations on teams the front office could approach. Anthony would have to approve a trade, and admits he probably would have to be in the loop if anything were hot this close to the deadline. Anthony was on board Wednesday’s team flight to Cleveland. “I haven’t heard anything as of right now,” Anthony said after practice. “I’ll have information if something unfolds and as of now, nothing’s on the table. “I’m relaxed. At 3:01 p.m., hopefully I’ll be sleeping, getting ready for the game.’’ Anthony spoke more assuredly than in recent weeks, sounding as if he already has been reassured talks are cold.
“As far as understanding, both parties are understanding of each other,’’ Anthony said. “They understand what I feel and what I’m thinking. I think I know what they’re thinking. These guys understand and know what I would like to see happen. Nobody has reached out to me [about a deal]. That’s why I’m not too concerned.’’
Knicks president Phil Jackson, unhappy with Anthony’s defense and ball-stopping ways, had investigated moving Anthony and spoke to the Clippers, Cavaliers and Celtics, with Boston the only club possessing the various assets to make a deal.
“I would really have to look at it, but nothing has come across,’’ Anthony said when asked if there’s still a chance he’d waive his notrade clause. “Until something is imminent, it’s not something I’m thinking about.’’
Anthony and Jackson, amid a nearly season-long feud, could decide to part ways this summer, when more options become available. With a number of teams dropping under the cap during July, flexibility will be much greater. The Knicks made no trades at last year’s deadline.
“I don’t know how much more I can be relaxed than I am now right now,’’ Anthony said. “I’m relaxed. Even though it is a strenuous situation, I’m relaxed.’’
This year’s Melo-drama began in mid-January when he reacted angrily to a column written by Jackson confidant Charley Rosen, who wrote Anthony has lost his “legs” and “outlived his usefulness in New York.’’ Anthony said if that’s how Jackson feels, they should meet about the future. Things spiraled out of control from there.
“That’s the difficult part,’’ Anthony said of the trade reports. “That’s more difficult than going out and playing basketball. Knowing that I don’t have the answers for you guys and still have to answer questions, the same answers to the same questions.’’