MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Carmelo Anthony said he expects to be consulted if the Knicks have a big deal they are considering at Thursday’s trade deadline that would affect their long-term future.
The Knicks still are trying to land Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, intensifying their efforts the past two weeks, but appear to lack the required assets for Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, who wants a package of first-round picks. The Knicks only have their 2018 first-rounder to deal, but in-the-hunt teams such as Toronto and Sacramento reportedly are pulling back on big packages because Rondo won’t commit to signing am extension.
A source told The Post recently Rondo would love to play for the Knicks not just because of his friendship with Anthony, but because he would love to compete against Brooklyn’s Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, his former Celtics teammates.
The Hawks and Knicks have talked about a deal involving Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague, but he is in the first year of a four-year, $32 million contract that would eat into the expected salary-cap space the Knicks have projected for 2015.
“I’m pretty sure they would bring it to me,’’ Anthony said Tuesday at FedEx Forum before the Knicks’ 98-93 loss to the Grizzlies. “They would keep me up to date on what’s going on. As far as making decisions, that’s their job. I’m pretty sure they will keep me informed — about what’s about to happen and what’s going to happen.”
Teague would make roughly $8 million in 2015. The Post has reported the Knicks are expected to pass on a deal for him and most non-elite point guards who have long-term deals. Their big plan is to sell Anthony, who can opt out of his contract after this season, on the prospect of adding a superstar such as Minnesota’s Kevin Love in 2015.
Anthony said Friday in New Orleans he’s willing to take “a pay cut’’ to give the Knicks more cap flexibility if he likes the plan. But he admitted he has heard nothing about Teague or any significant deal brewing.
“It’s Tuesday and I haven’t heard anything as far as trades,’’ Anthony said. “As far as today, nothing’s happening. I haven’t heard anything. We’re planning on moving forward.’’
The Knicks are more likely to make a minor deal such as moving disgruntled point guard Beno Udrih or out-of-the-rotation Metta World Peace for a second-round pick.
Coach Mike Woodson wouldn’t discount a move being made. Last year the Knicks shipped Ronnie Brewer at the deadline to Oklahoma City for a second-round pick.
“The greatest players have been traded in our league,’’ Woodson said. “There’s been a lot of great players who’ve been traded in our league. It happens. Are you going to sit home and worry and not do your job? That to me is ridiculous. You still have to perform. If you’re name is out there and somebody is floating it and somebody says they want you, you should be excited about that. It’s when teams don’t want you when you should worry about it.’’
Woodson is in a tough spot with the trade deadline. His future is now and he can’t be worried about 2015 cap space. But the coach commended Anthony for his “pay cut’’ remark.
“That says a lot about Carmelo making that statement,’’ coach Mike Woodson said. “Since I’ve coached him, I’ve always felt he’s been about winning. That just shows he’s committed. We got to put a plan together and see what happens.’’