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New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving team up in pickup game

By Alex Butler
United States guard Kyrie Irving (10) scores a lay up in front of Carmelo Anthony during basketball competition at the Carioca Arena 1 on August 6 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. File photo by Richard Ellis/UPI
United States guard Kyrie Irving (10) scores a lay up in front of Carmelo Anthony during basketball competition at the Carioca Arena 1 on August 6 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. File photo by Richard Ellis/UPI | License Photo

July 19 (UPI) -- Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Kyrie Irving joined New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony recently for a pickup basketball game in Los Angeles.

The union looked smooth, as Irving showed off his world-class handles and silky jump shot while Anthony displayed his range.

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You might think that the matchup was against a men's rec-league, but there were other NBA stars on the court, including Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler.

Butler, who was traded to the Timberwolves this offseason, looked to be in mid-season form with several stylish drives to the rim.

Cavaliers fans will undoubtedly be giddy about watching Anthony ball out with Irving. The 10-time All-Star has been rumored in trade talks for months, including in deals to the Houston Rockets and Cavaliers.

@kyrieirving ➕ @carmeloanthony ➡️ Dangerous summer pickup team‼️ // @academy.basketball

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A post shared by Chris Brickley (@cbrickley603) on

The Knicks paused trade talks last week, as it appeared a deal with the Rockets was getting close. Sources told the New York Daily News that Anthony now has "no interest" in returning to the Knicks next season.

League sources told ESPN last week that Anthony expects the Knicks to trade him to the Rockets. Anthony signed a five-year, $124 million contract in 2014 with the Knicks, but is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join a contender.

Earlier this week, Portland Trail Blazers star C.J. McCollum attempted to recruit Anthony by posting an edited picture of the Knicks forward wearing a blazers jersey. McCollum and teammate Damian Lillard have both reached out to Anthony to try and get him to join the Blazers, according to the Oregonian.

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Sources told ESPN that the Rockets are prepared for negotiations with the Knicks to possibly run through the start of training camp.

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