Knicks reportedly asked Cavaliers about a Carmelo Anthony-for-Kevin Love trade

The New York Knicks won a basketball game recently and also came to the (belated) realization that rookie big man Willy Hernangomez is pretty good. Things are looking up! As per Knicks custom, this makes an ideal time to visit fetid swamp that is Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumor Land.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Wednesday afternoon that New York’s front office approached the Cleveland Cavaliers about a potential trade involving Melo and Kevin Love, but were rebuffed:

Although James and Anthony are incredibly close and have both expressed interest in playing together someday, sources say Cleveland is not prepared to surrender Love to get Anthony after the role Love played in helping the Cavaliers win the first championship in franchise history in June.

This is the first real evidence that the front office is even considering shopping their star forward. Recalling the words of Charley Rosen — ugh — Cleveland was one of the two teams for which Melo would waive his no-trade clause. It should be repeated, however, that Melo has never expressed a desire to be traded. God, I’m sick of writing that sentence.

A Melo-for-Love swap makes virtually no sense for New York by itself — he plays the same position as Kristaps Porzingis, and would be yet another poor defender added to the Knicks’ menagerie.

Regardless, Melo is staying put.