NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Los Angeles Clippers To Target Carmelo Anthony Before Trade Deadline Or Next Summer; Blake Griffin Trade Considered?

Carmelo Anthony remains mum about his impending free agency, but recent rumors suggest that the Los Angeles Clippers should be considered as one of the favorites to land the New York Knicks superstar.

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld cited an unnamed source who said that while Anthony is continuously being linked to the LA Lakers, the Clippers are actually the most-likely destination of Anthony if he decides to bolt out of New York.

The report said:

"As one insider said last night after the game, the idea of Anthony leaving the Knicks isn't talked about in the abstract around the team. It's talked about as though it's going to happen.

While free agency is a long way away and there is lots of basketball left to be played, the team that most fans and media peg as Anthony's likely destination is the LA Lakers, however insiders around the Knicks and Carmelo peg the LA Clippers as more likely to land Anthony if he leaves the Knicks."

The 29-year-old small forward already announced that he will test free agency after the 2013-14 NBA season, but he played down earlier reports that he has already decided to leave New York next summer due to the team's current struggle.

Once Anthony hits the free-agency market, the Knicks will have the ability to offer the biggest amount of money.

As for the Clippers, acquiring Anthony via free agency is a long shot because the team has no cap space to sign the 11-year veteran and clearing cap space will not be as easy as it sounds. This will likely force the Clippers to make a trade before the deadline if they are indeed determined to land Anthony.

Previous rumors suggest that the Clippers could be ready to part ways with superstar power forward Blake Griffin in a deal for Anthony.

The Clippers are allegedly mulling building a title-contending team around Anthony and superstar point guard Chris Paul along with defensive-minded center DeAndre Jordan.

While nothing is imminent as of now, talks about the potential Anthony-Griffin swap is expected to gain momentum once the trade deadline nears especially if the Knicks continue to struggle this season.