The New York Knicks have failed to engage the Cleveland Cavaliers to a Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love trade, according to latest NBA trade rumors.

ESPN reported that the Knicks "have been unsuccessful in their attempts" to persuade the defending champions to give up Love in exchange for Anthony as the Cavs believe that the sweet-shooting power forward is integral to their title-defense this season.

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The three-time NBA All-Star has been in top form these days, averaging 20.5 points as Cleveland's third offensive option along with 10.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 31.9 minutes per game in 38 games so far this season.

The Cavs' rejection of an Anthony-Love trade is not surprising as Love is not only four years younger than Melo but also a better complement to the games of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Cleveland won the title last season with Love not at his best and team officials think that they have a better chance to repeat with Love than Anthony.

New York said to have approached Cleveland after James' public tirade that they need more playmakers following a 124-122 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. The Knicks offered Anthony, a nine-time NBA All-Star, in exchange for Love, but the Cavs said that they are "not interested".

Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly "would have gone to Anthony to discuss waiving his no-trade clause" had the Cavs displayed interest in the trade.

Meanwhile, Anthony told the New York Post that James would want to play with him in Cleveland but not right now. "You ask me a question if he thinks I'd want to play with him?" said Anthony. "Yes. I do think he'd want me to play with him. I don't think he wouldn't."

The reporter then asked if he wanted to move to the Cavs, to which he replied: "I don't think about it - not something I think about right now. As far as playing with him, I don't think about that. I can't think about that. You know I'm not thinking about that."

Carmelo Anthony trade rumors have been prevalent these days after rumors went out that Jackson wants him out of New York already.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA Trade Rumors 2017, carmelo anthony, new york knicks, Kevin Love, cleveland cavaliers