NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony is reportedly now refusing to accept a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are natural trade partners for a Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony swap. Both Irving and Anthony want a change of scenery and Kyrie wants to be in New York and Melo – you’d think – wouldn’t be too opposed to the idea of playing with LeBron James.
At least that was the feeling a few weeks ago.
That, though, has reportedly changed. According to a report from Chris Berman of the New York Post, the biggest reason why Anthony has reportedly had a change of heart is (most likely) because of all the turmoil that is currently taking place in Cleveland.
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In other words, things seem to be falling apart around LeBron James and he wants nothing to do with that. So, predictably, he’s willing to take a more sure of a think in Houston where he can play with Chris Paul and James Harden.
"[via New York Post]Phil Jackson is out as president, but the franchise’s strategy hasn’t changed much. A stalemate has ensued as sources indicate Anthony only wishes to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Rockets. Not even Cleveland, which is in turmoil, is good enough for Anthony as the Cavaliers are dealing with Kyrie Irving’s trade demand."
Problem is, the Rockets are pretty limited in what they can offer for a Carmelo Anthony and unless the Knicks are willing to take on a contract like Eric Bledsoe’s or Ryan Anderson’s, a third or fourth team would need to be involved in order to make the numbers work.
Question is, which side is going to blink first. Will the Knicks blink and move Carmelo Anthony to the Rockets, at a much lesser of a return, in order to just get rid of him? Or will Melo blink in deciding to waive his no-trade to Cleveland?
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It’s certainly one of the last big storylines remaining of the summer, mostly because what the Knicks do will ultimately impact what Cleveland can/decides to do with Kyrie Irving.