GREENBURGH, N.Y. — As the Melo Drama rises to a fever pitch, conspiracy theorists take note.
Both Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph missed Knicks’ practice Tuesday with what were termed “personal reasons.”
Both players have been mentioned prominently in the reported three-team deal that would bring Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.
“I think those trade rumors are not really affecting us much,” said forward Amar’e Stoudemire, who had a recovery day Tuesday.
The reported three-team deal would send Randolph and Curry’s expiring contract to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Wilson Chandler landing in Denver and Anthony coming to the Knicks. Minnesota would also send Corey Brewer and a first-round pick to Denver.
The Daily News reported Tuesday that Chandler is experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired left ankle, which could complicate the deal.
Chandler did practice Tuesday, although he did not speak with the media afterward.
“The injury came up at an inopportune time, but he looked good today,” coach Mike D’Antoni said of Chandler. “I thought he played well against Philadelphia. I thought he was better. And he’ll get back, hopefully Wednesday [against the Los Angeles Clippers] being better.”
As for whether Chandler is distracted by the trade talk, Stoudemire added:
“He’s doing great. Wilson’s a pro. He’s keeping his head clear and he’s practicing hard and getting extra work in, so he’s doing great.”
The latest rumors Tuesday involved the Nuggets dealing Anthony to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Andrew Bynum, as first reported by ESPN.com.
Stoudemire said the Knicks were aware of all the reports but were trying to focus on playing Blake Griffin and the Clippers and then Kobe Bryant and the Lakers Friday.
“I mean, you always wonder what’s going on but you can’t let that effect your game and effect your professionalism,” Stoudemire said.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh made the rare move of ducking out of practice before speaking with reporters.
STOUDEMIRE HAPPY TECH WAS RESCINDED
Stoudemire said it was “great” that it his technical foul from Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers was rescinded. That would have been his 14th technical, meaning two more and he would serve an automatic one-game suspension.
“I was a little bit confident about that one because it wasn’t really…trying to outshine the official at all,” he said. “It wasn’t one of those respect-the-game type of plays. It was great to get that rescinded so I’m back to where I was before [at 13].”
Stoudemire was called for a foul after attempting a steal on Spencer Hawes by poking the ball away. After racing upcourt, official Bob Delaney whistled him for a technical for complaining.
