New York Knicks trade rumors 2016: Carmelo Anthony denies trade rumors, to stay with Knicks

Carmelo AnthonyReuters

Recently, there was a reported trade discussion that would send New York Knicks All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that is unlikely true, with Anthony saying he is not leaving the Big Apple. 

Anthony stated in an interview with Sirius XM NBA Radio, "I'm not going anywhere."

Despite Anthony having a no-trade clause in his existing pact with the Knicks, the veteran is still being linked to rumors since the trade period will end on Feb. 18. 

Along with this, Knicks president Phil Jackson already expressed the franchise's desire to keep Anthony and rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis. 

During the radio interview, Anthony said the only goal is to win a championship and he is not even entertaining any trade talk. 

"Doing it in New York is better than doing it any place in the world. One in New York is better than multiple somewhere else, so that was the reason I wanted to come to New York. That's the reason why I'm in New York, so it just bothers me when I started hearing all these trade rumors and trade talks," the 31-year-old franchise star also said. 

The starter for this year's All-Star Game added that he is tired of hearing trade rumors, emphasizing that he could have left the Knicks when he was a free agent if he really wanted to get out of New York. 

Anthony is having another splendid season, leading the Knicks in scoring (21.4), rebounding (7.9), and assists (4.2) per game. 

Unfortunately, New York is in a constant battle for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. 

The Knicks are currently 12th in the East with a 23–32 record and lost six consecutive before the 2016 All-Star Weekend.

It is a two-season playoff drought for the Knicks, the team that reached the second round during the last time they made it to the postseason in the 2012–2013 season.