Latest trade rumors have emerged that the New York Knicks could deal Carmelo Anthony to the Boston Celtics before the February trade deadline as the Big Apple squad aims to rebuild their roster.

The Knicks have not qualified for the playoffs in the last three seasons and it looks like they are headed for another early vacation this year. The team had a promising start to the season, reaching third place in the East with a 16-13 record last month, but 14 games later they are back down to the 11th spot as the team lost 11 of those matches.

Like Us on Facebook

With the team reeling and with no solution in sight for head coach Jeff Hornacek and his crew, speculations abound that the club is looking on a full rebuilding, or at least a re-tooling of their lineup, around budding star Kristaps Porzingis.

Rumors went out that the possible first step for the Knicks is to trade Anthony, but the nine-time NBA All-Star is said to be keen on staying in New York and hold firm to the no-trade clause in his contract.

New York Post's Marc Berman reported that Anthony had already told Knicks president Phil Jackson that he is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause and he wants to stay with the team moving forward.

There are no reports about Jackson's response or reaction to what Anthony said, so there are still speculations that he might "force" Anthony to move to another team before the trade deadline on Feb. 23.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers were recently linked to Anthony and are said to be the most probable destinations of the former NBA scoring champ if he indeed gets traded.

However, NJ Advance Media's Joe Giglio suggested that the Celtics are emerging as a "possible Anthony landing spot" as Boston continues to search for that elusive superstar that will finally take their team to championship contention once again.

Giglio said that if "Boston's front office believes it's Anthony" who will take them to the next level, then "don't rule out this rumor gaining more traction over the next few weeks." Anthony's disdain for the Celtics is well-documented so it seemed like a long shot for the deal to happen.

Berman noted, though, that Anthony could be an "ideal fit" with Isaiah Thomas and AL Horford if he "forgoes his bad feelings toward the (Celtics) franchise".

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2017, carmelo anthony, new york knicks, Boston Celtics