NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: Los Angeles Clippers Coach Dismisses Blake Griffin-For-Carmelo Anthony Trade

By Paul John Rivera| Jan 06, 2014

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers quashed the rumored potential trade involving Blake Griffin and New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.

Rivers, who is in his first year as coach of the Clippers, vehemently denied that they are considering trading Griffin to the Knicks for Anthony before the annual trade deadline.

"Please, this is stupid," Rivers said when asked about the Griffin-for-Anthony trade as reported by ESPN. "If you're the Knicks or whoever, would you want Blake Griffin? I would. So I don't see what the story is."

ESPN reported on Friday night that the previously-rumored trade involving the two superstar forwards was legitimate as it was discussed by both squads internally.

Sources said that the Knicks are starting to look for other options, knowing that they could lose Anthony for nothing next summer when he becomes a free agent. The report also added that the Clippers also discussed the possibility within the organization, but it appears that they are not open to idea, as confirmed by Rivers.

While he called the rumor "stupid", the former NBA championship-winning coach added that the trade talks involving Griffin are understandable, considering his impressive performances for the Clippers this season.

The 24-year-old high-flying superstar is averaging 22.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season. The fourth-year forward tallied 26.2 points to go along with 11.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists over the Clippers' last 10 games.

"Call Pop [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] and ask if he would like Blake. I think he'd say, 'Yeah, I think so, yeah I think so. We had nothing to do with it," Rivers said.

Anthony also responded to the rumors and reports suggesting that he would like to be traded to the Clippers to reunite with USA Basketball teammate Chris Paul.

"Everybody always says that they want to play with this guy or play with that guy," Anthony said. "Me and Chris have been rumored to play together since he [went to L.A.], there were always trade rumors to try to get us together. It never happens."

Anthony, who is averaging 26.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season, will test free agency after the current season.

Previous reports suggested that the 29-year-old forward has the Knicks, Clippers, LA Lakers, and Chicago Bulls on the short list of his preferred destinations.

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