Carmelo Anthony, agent deny report he'd waive no-trade clause

Carmelo Anthony's not saying ... he's just saying. Apparently.

The superstar forward isn't seeking a trade out of his moribund situation with the New York Knicks, but he is willing to consider waiving his no-trade clause, according to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Anthony is said to be understandably frustrated with the team's 4-20 start, one that's led Anthony to question the team's desire, question the team's confidence and, reportedly, threaten to beat up teammate Tim Hardaway Jr. With Monday marking the first date at which Anthony can be traded by league rules, Berman cites a source who speculates that Anthony still wants to stick it out but may be running low on patience.

Though the revelation comes from a report about a player's thinking citing an unnamed source, it's at least interesting to consider.

It also appears the Knicks considered this possibility. While Anthony has one of the league's only no-trade clauses, his contract also has a trade kicker that would increase his salary by 15 percent from the date of a trade forward. That would make acquiring Anthony even more difficult for any team, considering he's in year one of a substantial five-year, $124 million contract before accounting for the trade kicker.

This also isn't the first time it's been speculated Anthony could be seeking an eventual trade. During his free agency this past summer, some thought Anthony's plan could involve signing with the Knicks to maximize his salary, then looking for a new home.

Besides his salary, the machinations for any Anthony deal would also be difficult because the teams who were previously interested are now mid-stream, having made other moves after missing out on the seven-time All-Star. The Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets were free-agent suitors, but it's unclear if either would be willing to part with assets and risk a shake up in the middle of the season. The Los Angeles Lakers are always a possibility when a superstar becomes available, too.

Complicating matters further is that Anthony is dealing with left knee soreness that may eventually require surgery.

Anthony's agent, Leon Rose, released the following statement to the New York Daily News:

Carmelo, as always, is committed to the Knicks. There have never been discussions about trades or wanting to leave New York. Any story, rumor, report to the contrary is utter nonsense.

Anthony also commented on the matter at Friday's practice, saying he wouldn't walk away from adversity:

In 21 games this season, the 30-year-old Anthony is averaging 22.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists, but his offensive efficiency is lower than it's been in years. He's still a supremely talented scorer, one for whom context cues point to staying in New York for at least a while longer.