New York Knicks Wanted Tristan Thompson In Melo Trade (Report)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 23: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, before the New York Knicks traded Melo to OKC they wanted Tristan Thompson from the Cavs.

The New York Knicks settled on a Carmelo Anthony trade to Oklahoma City for Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott. Not the greatest haul for a future Hall of Famer, but it may not have been New York’s first choice for Melo.

According to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Knicks wanted Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson. Vardon reports Cleveland told New York no. Thompson, 26, is a close friend of LeBron James; they share the same agent.

Thompson is an excellent rebounder and would’ve been a nice fit with the Knicks. Ironically, Thompson and Kanter are very similar players. They’re both brusiers who like to get their points via offensive rebounds.

Kanter gives the team most of the production on offense and on the glass that Thompson would. The financial aspect makes Kanter slightly more appealing to a rebuilding team.

The newest Knick is signed for just this season, plus a player option for 2018-19, while Thompson has three years and $52 million remaining on his deal.