Carlton says Adelaide did not offer an adequate price for former No.1 draft pick, Bryce Gibbs amid yesterday's deadline day rush.
Gibbs requested a move home to Adelaide during the trade period, however, the clubs were unable to reach an agreement for the 27-year-old, who is contracted at the Blues until 2019.
The Crows yesterday were filthy over the stalemate, saying the club was not prepared to meet the Blues' "unrealistic" demands, which included two first round draft picks in exchange for Gibbs.
However, Carlton's general manager of football, Andrew McKay says the Blues' price was realistic and that the club was prepared to let Gibbs walk, but only for the right price.
"We obviously value Bryce more highly than they do," McKay said on radio station SEN on Friday morning.
"It wasn't a matter of us mucking them around at all, we were prepared to let Bryce go for the right price.
"They weren't close enough.
"We had a few options on the table and they weren't able to deliver those options.
"We always were very honest with the Crows on what we were after and they couldn't come to the party."
McKay said that he now believes Gibbs will honour the remainder of his contract.
"Time will tell of course, but we're confident we'll be able to get some good support around Bryce and he can enjoy Melbourne and obviously Carlton," McKay said
"He's enjoyed the footy club and the people in the footy club enormously in the last 10 years.
"He's got some other stuff going on in his life, but we want to support him and get him through those times."