The recent NBA trade rumors claimed that the Boston Celtics is targeting Carmelo Anthony before the February deadline and could send Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko and a future first-round draft pick to the New York Knicks in return.

Boston has been searching for a legitimate superstar for the past couple of years and despite the acquisition of Al Horford this summer, team officials reportedly want another All-Star to add to the team.

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The latest superstar linked to the Celtics is Knicks' Anthony, who endured another dismal season-opener amid having Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee by his side when the team was crushed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-88, at the Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.

The Celtics has previously tried to trade for Anthony before last season's February deadline, but the nine-time NBA All-Star vetoed the deal, as per Sportsgrid.

Melo has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Knicks, which means he has to approve any trade he would be involved in.

Inquisitr reported that Boston has "not given up on their goal of bringing" Anthony to their side and will try again before this season's trade deadline.

While it seems that Anthony will again reject the trade, the next few months may affect his decision if the Knicks continue to dwell in the Eastern Conference's cellar while the Celtics challenge the Cavs for the conference's best record.

A rumored trade scenario suggested that the Celtics could send Crowder, Johnson, Jerebko, and the 2019 first-round draft pick acquired from the Grizzlies in exchange for the former NBA scoring champion.

However, some analysts believe that Boston may be spreading themselves too thinly if they let go of that many assets for Anthony. Crowder, Johnson and Jerebko compose the team's forward lineup, with the last two as their top two power forwards.

Giving away Johnson and Jerebko would leave the Celtics with only sophomore Jordan Mickey at the spot or Al Horford must slide back to number four and leave Kelly Olynyk at the center spot by himself.

It remains to be seen if this  trade, which is part of the current NBA rumors,could push through as both sides are still assessing their respective rosters at this point of the season.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2016, carmelo anthony, new york knicks, Boston Celtics