LeBron James denies report he wants Kevin Love–Carmelo Anthony trade
LeBron James denies he has been pushing for the Cavaliers to trade for Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, in contradiction to an earlier report from Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.
Isola reported that James has asked the Cavaliers to bring Anthony on board even if they must give up Kevin Love in exchange.
On Monday after the Cavaliers' win over the Wizards, James denied the report.
"It's trash, and the guy who wrote it is trash too for writing that, especially during the game like that," James said. "It's always about outside noise and that's just outside noise for us."
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue also denied the prospect of Love getting traded after he led the team with 39 points and 12 rebounds in Monday's win.
Love also seemed to weigh in on the rumor in an Instagram posted after the game of the quote, "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its pants on."
Anthony has been the subject of trade rumors in advance of the Feb. 23 NBA trade deadline. The Knicks have reportedly inquired with the Cavaliers, Clippers and Celtics about their interest in trading for Anthony.
The Cavaliers reportedly rejected the Knicks' previous trade offer, but according to Isola, James has reportedly been lobbying for the deal to get done.
He has previously been vocal in his support of his friend Anthony's happiness, no matter where he plays.
"I just want the best for my friend, no matter what it is," James told reporters in Cleveland on Friday. "If [Anthony's] there in New York or if not, I just want the best for him. I want him to be happy."
Anthony would need to waive his no trade clause in order for a trade to be completed.
