Clippers report: Clippers and Knicks have discussed a trade for Carmelo Anthony, but no deal is imminent

The Clippers and New York Knicks have engaged in trade talks recently involving forward Carmelo Anthony, but the Clippers told the Knicks that the big three of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan would not be a part of any deal, The Times has confirmed.

From the Clippers’ side, that means no deal is imminent after the Knicks initiated the call but were apparently looking for more talent than the Clippers were initially willing to offer.

Clippers reserve guard Austin Rivers, who makes $11 million this season, was a part of the conversations about a trade for Anthony, said an NBA executive who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Clippers reserve guard Jamal Crawford, who makes $13 million this season, also was a name tossed around by the two teams.

Another NBA executive said that Knicks President Phil Jackson has always been intrigued by Clippers shooting guard J.J. Redick, who is making $7.373 million in the final year of his contract.

One league executive said Clippers rookie Brice Johnson was a trade piece they could send to the Knicks in order to meet the salary requirements for a trade of that financial magnitude.

The Clippers were left with the impression that the Knicks, who reportedly were rebuffed in their attempts to trade Anthony for Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, are trying to see what value Anthony has around the league, one executive said. The Knicks also talked to the Boston Celtics about Anthony, according to various reports.

Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract, but he has expressed interest in playing for the Clippers and alongside his good friend Paul, one executive said.

Anthony also has a 15% trade kicker, meaning that his salary of $25 million this season would increase to almost $29 million and, if he came to Los Angeles, would require the Clippers to send players back earning that much to fit the forward in under the salary cap.

Anthony, who turns 33 in May and has a career scoring average of 24.8, is due to earn $26 million next season and $27 million during the 2018-19 season.

Griffin’s knee

Griffin said before practice Thursday that he felt “fine” after playing against Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Griffin missed 18 consecutive games recovering from right knee surgery before he started against the 76ers.

“I feel how we wanted and how I expected,” Griffin said. “No setbacks. No limitations.”

Griffin, who played 29 minutes against Philadelphia, said he doesn’t expect a minutes restriction when the Clippers play at Golden State on Saturday.

“That’s not to say I’m going to go out and play 40 minutes,” Griffin said. “Hopefully 30 minutes won’t be my limitations, or 28, whatever it was.”

Etc.

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers, who missed the game against Philadelphia because he was ill, was at practice Thursday and said he was feeling better. … Point guard Raymond Felton had a day of rest Thursday for what Rivers called a shoulder and thigh bruise. “He’s just got a lot of football injuries,” Rivers said.

broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @BA_Turner