Report: Clippers, Knicks seeking 3rd team in potential Melo trade

The Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are searching for a third team to keep alive the possibility of completing a trade involving Carmelo Anthony, league sources tell ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein.

The Clippers have reportedly already discussed a deal with the Knicks for Melo that wouldn't involve giving up any of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, or J.J. Redick, but have failed to find a trade that works up to this point. The most substantial talks occurred last week, and have continued into this week.

New York has also attempted to trade Melo to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, but both ball clubs reportedly declined the Knicks' offer.

Report: Celtics not interested in trading for Carmelo

Chris Paul's recent thumb injury has reportedly made things more complicated, as Los Angeles has been unwilling to move any two of Jamal Crawford, Austin Rivers, and J.J. Redick while its All-Star point guard remains sidelined. The Knicks have also been reluctant to take on Crawford and his contract, which still has three years and $42 million remaining after this season.

Those factors have sparked the need to involve a third team in order to get a deal done.

While he does have a no-trade clause, Melo has said multiple times that he'd be willing to waive it if the Knicks choose to rebuild.

The 32-year-old is averaging 22.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and three assists in 47 games for New York this season.