Carmelo Anthony Thought New York Knicks Would Make Trade For Rajon Rondo

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Jan 24, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter at TD Banknorth Garden. The New York Knicks won 89-86. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is guarded by Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter at TD Banknorth Garden. The New York Knicks won 89-86. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Boston Celtics decided to go in to full-blown rebuilding mode and trade away Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony reportedly thought that the team would make a play for Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. The news comes from Marc Berman of the New York Post, but it is important to note that it is a second-hand story from Anthony’s friends so take the report with a grain of salt.

From Berman’s report:

"Anthony told friends after the Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce trade to the Nets, he figured the Knicks would make a play for point guard for Rajon Rondo. Anthony believes Rondo would be the perfect piece and would be super motivated in New York to attempt to knock off Garnett and Pierce."

The move could have helped the Knicks retain Anthony when he hits free agency next season, but it would have been difficult for the Knicks to find a way to bring in Rondo with their current cap situation since they decided to keep free agents in J.R. Smith and Pablo Prigioni.

If the Knicks don’t find a way to bring in a complimentary player for Anthony, their chances of retaining the star take a big hit heading in to next offseason.