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New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony may finally be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join either the Houston Rockets or the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarkowski. Melo and the Knicks have enjoyed just two post-season appearances since joining forces in 2011. Anthony’s relationship with the franchise has soured amid four consecutive losing seasons.
As a result, Houston has thrown their hat into the Melo Sweepstakes ring following their splashy acquisition of point guard Chris Paul. Anthony and Paul are good friends and guard James Harden is a perennial MVP candidate. The trio would make an interesting Big Three despite their contrasting styles of play.
The Rockets have engaged the Knicks in trade talks, with Houston’s Ryan Anderson being named as a potential piece. However, Woj reports that New York is reluctant on picking up the $61.3 million Anderson is owed over the next three seasons.
The Cavaliers have long been rumored to be in the hunt for Anthony and former Knicks president Phil Jackson even reached out to Cleveland last season about a swap. Anthony and LeBron James are also good friends, making this one Melo’s preferred destinations.
Despite Jackson’s dismissal last week, New York remains focused on trading Anthony as they have consistently rebuffed his desire for a contract buyout. The team is said to be seeking younger players in return rather than long-term contracts.
Anthony is due $54 million over the next two years. He averaged 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds last season. The 33-year-old is still one of the most talented individual scorers in the NBA, but his style of play has not translated to consistent winning.
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