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Report: Carmelo era causing concerns within Knicks over potential AD trade

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Not everyone in the New York Knicks organization is prepared to go all-out for Anthony Davis.

Some within the Knicks umbrella are hesitant to trade significant pieces to the New Orleans Pelicans, citing the 2011 trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony and how that played out, sources told SNY's Ian Begley.

Anthony was in a similar situation to Davis' before he joined the Knicks. Entering his final season under contract with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony reportedly requested a trade and identified the Knicks as one of several teams he would be interested in joining. The Nuggets officially granted his wish when they shipped him to New York as part of a 13-player trade that also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anthony continued his stellar form in New York, averaging 24.7 points, seven rebounds, and 3.2 assists in six-and-a-half seasons at Madison Square Garden, though his performances failed to translate to postseason success, winning just one series in three different trips to the playoffs.

Coincidentally, the Pelicans are also said to be open to a multi-team trade involving Davis, and the 26-year-old has reportedly also identified the Knicks as one of his preferred destinations along with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Davis will be in his final guaranteed season under contract in 2019-20. He requested a trade in January after informing the Pelicans he would not sign an extension. The Lakers were reported to be in negotiations to acquire the six-time All-Star over the winter but failed to reach a deal with New Orleans. They are said to still be interested in the forward, as are the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

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