Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets, Knicks Still Working On Deal?
Carmelo Anthony trade rumors still link the New York Knicks’ All-Star forward to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets could add Anthony to a roster that already includes Chris Paul and James Harden, immediately making them a very formidable offense in the Western Conference. As seen in the image below, that is just one of the scenarios that the front office of the Knicks could be considering this offseason. The report by SportsCenter has generated new buzz about the possibility of Anthony finally leaving New York.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, New York Knicks General Manager Steve Mills has been very reluctant to simply offer Carmelo Anthony a buyout. In that scenario, the Knicks would offer a cash payment to get out of the two-year commitment to Anthony. It would be an expensive endeavor and not necessarily something Anthony would want to do. If an Anthony buyout did take place, though, he would become a free agent who could then sign with any other franchise.
This is why the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors make more sense than a contract buyout because the Knicks could get something back from another franchise. Exactly which players or picks could be included in a package for Anthony is a hot topic of debate among NBA analysts.
There’s a couple of scenarios that could get Carmelo Anthony out of New York. What is the best option?
MORE: https://t.co/WGV4XO6q6E pic.twitter.com/HO3o0UbbNY— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 6, 2017
A Carmelo Anthony trade to the Houston Rockets would work with just Eric Gordon, Trevor Ariza, and Clint Capela going back to the New York Knicks. SportsCenter suggested that the Knicks would also need or want Ryan Kelly, Shawn Long, Tim Quarterman, and/or Isaiah Taylor as part of any deal in order to fill out the roster. The reason players have to go back to the Knicks is that the Rockets have to match salaries to absorb the roughly $26.3 million Anthony is owed for the 2017-18 NBA season.
Carmelo Anthony is open to waiving his no-trade clause to join the Rockets or Cavaliers. https://t.co/JLfIEHrmkm
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 3, 2017
There is also still an outside shot that the Cleveland Cavaliers could work out a deal where Kevin Love goes to the Knicks in exchange for Anthony. If the Knicks want to go younger, a third team could get involved to send Love to a different city. Then there are all the Portland Trail Blazers fans who hope that the Knicks will take on spare parts in exchange for Anthony. Would the Knicks really want Allen Crabbe and Meyers Leonard or Evan Turner? Though they are still prevalent, these Carmelo Anthony trade rumors are still contingent on him waiving that no-trade clause.
[Featured Image by Jason Miller/Getty Images]
