Report: Celtics attempted to trade for Carmelo Anthony

A couple of years ago, rumors swirled that the Celtics were poised to make a run at Carmelo Anthony in free agency to build a new Big Three of Anthony, Rajon Rondo (who was still with the C's) and Kevin Love (whom they hoped to obtain in a trade with Minnesota). None of it came to pass, of course, and there were plenty in Celtics Nation delighted that the ball-hogging 'Melo stayed in New York.

But that doesn't mean Danny Ainge's interest in Anthony ended.

According to ESPN, "league sources with knowledge of the situation" report that the Celtics approached the Knicks prior to the trade deadline and "expressed interest in obtaining Anthony".

However . . .

"Boston was informed that Anthony had no desire to leave the Knicks via trade to play for the Celtics, sources say."

Rumors had circulated that the Celts were attempting to broker a three-way deal that would have sent 'Melo to Cleveland while Love -- there's that man again -- came from the Cavs, which is where the Timberwolves ended up trading him, to Boston. This is the first time, however, that C's were reported to actually have interest in Anthony.

But it looks like 'Melo doesn't want to come here.