There has been no shortage of rumours and speculation as to where 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony will play next season, and now the trade rumours have ramped up again.
Anthony, a former scoring champion and franchise player, has reportedly lost enjoyment for the game of basketball while playing for the troubled New York Knicks organisation, who was led by Phil Jackson until his resignation earlier this year.
He has played for the Knicks for the last six seasons, however, it is expected that he will be traded to another franchise before next season.
In fact, it could happen very soon.
While rumours continue to grow and circulate, there are only three teams that are likely to get Carmelo’s signature.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the first team and could have a large offer ready in Kyrie Irving, who also requested to be traded. Anthony and LeBron James and good friends off the court and Carmelo would look favourably about playing with ‘the King’.
While it is reported that Irving would like to play for New York, the two organisations have halted trade talks with no viable deal reached. It is possible that Kyrie will force the Cavaliers’ hand and push for a trade.
The second team is the Houston Rockets, who have recently acquired another good friend of Anthony, Chris Paul. Paul has joined James Harden to create a back court powerhouse and possibly a new contender in the Western Conference.
Anthony has said that at this point in his career, he wants to enjoy his basketball and win a championship, with Houston, this seems possible.
Houston has been in trade discussions about Anthony with the Knicks for some time, and will possibly try to involve a third team as they try to release power forward Ryan Anderson and his $80-million contract.
The third and final team who could sign Carmelo is the Portland Trail Blazers. The consistent, Western Conference team are considered a dark horse to land the big signing but have actively tried to recruit Anthony for weeks.
The Trail Blazers boast another very strong backcourt with Damien Lillard and C.J McCollum, who have both reached out to Anthony during the recruiting process.
Portland has had some success in the tough Western Conference, making the playoffs in the last four seasons, however, the record is beginning to worsen and they may struggle this season without Anthony.
Considering that these are the three main options for Carmelo Anthony, there is one major outcome for the rest of the league. An Anthony trade will be yet another contributor to the divide between the East and West conferences, especially if he chooses Portland.
Don’t be surprised if we hear some major trade news coming out of New York in the coming days.
Andrew
Guest
Good shooter, wants the ball, not a great team defender... Isn't that what the Knicks already have?
mushi
Guest
Okay I could have sworn you said “we” or “us” in the past referring to the Cavs, particularly around the LeBron return, apologies if I was mistaken. On the joy well that’s incredibly different to on court value. [quick side note: isn’t assuming that the cavs have to win the trade because of one numeric feature (4 time all star) using stats – bad stats – but stats none the less] I’m not sure why it is so difficult to be able to watch for joy and then use other information to also assess value, watching for joy makes it even harder to be critically thinking. I don’t particularly like watching Harden, but I’d still pay him max money as a GM. I also don’t get joy from guys who happily undermine the work of their team mates when they cut bait on defence and take over stymie the offence.
Swampy
Guest
Oh and the Cavs would definitely be a winner in any trade because they are the only conditions under which they will trade their 4x All-Star
Swampy
Guest
I don't follow the Cavs mate - I used to follow the sonics but haven't had a team since. I follow certain players and thus their teams, swapping on a whim. I love James, Westbrook, wall, durant and giannis currently along with a bunch of others. Manu being one of my all time favourites along with Steve Nash. I just don't base my assessments on numbers alone - I enjoy players for the joy of basketball they give me. Irving is a joy to watch offensively. His ability to score on anyone is amazing. LeBron is next level. I used to love watching Steph shoot but his carry-on antics now annoy me. That's how airey fairy I can be
mushi
Guest
Sure he’s got plenty of good years ahead of him. But he won’t be incredibly good (by NBA standards) unless he changes his fundamental attitudes to help defence and offensive execution. How many guys after 6 years in the league suddenly have that epiphany? Swampy your team is going to win this trade. If they a starter, a young guy with potential and a lottery pick they win this by a bigger margin than the GSW had during the entire playoffs. I think you’ll get more offensively out of Love without Irving around (who is a better second banana to Lebron anyway as they can engage in the same play better) and add hopefully add defensive starch at the point.
Swampy
Guest
He's only 25 - plenty of good years ahead of him and he's a terrific 3pt shooter. He'd be incredibly good for someone. I think that someone will be the Cavs. They need him more than anyone.
Mushi
Guest
Using the old bill Simmons angle, he brings a lot to the table... But he also takes a lot off it. Not sure you can be the best player on an elite team like that.
Ben Sewell
Roar Pro
I agree with both of you tbh. He's such a rare talent with big game experience. But at this stage in his career, he's proven to play his best as a number 2 option on a good side.
mushi
Guest
Depends on which side of the trade you’re on. I think they’ll get someone to pay it but there will be buyer’s remorse unless he starts playing team defence and curbs his ball dominance on offence. Two things unlikely to happen if he gets his “own” team.
steve
Guest
They want a veteran, young player and a pick. Hardly " too much " for a 4 time all star and championship winning point guard.
Simon Douch
Roar Guru
It's definitely a long shot. Cavs want too much for Kyrie, negotiations will fall through pretty quickly. Portland and Houston would both be pretty exciting destinations.
Ben Sewell
Roar Pro
I honestly don't think they'll trade him now. I think if it was going to happen, it would have transpired already. With that being said, I've probably jinxed it and he'll be traded today now haha.
Swampy
Guest
Is kyrie really pushing for a trade or is he leading the media down a merry path like his 'world is flat' comments. The Cavs have him under contract and with the rumours of LeBron leaving then they would be best served on keeping him and Love. From the gossip world apparently LaLa Anthony is best friends with Gab Union and Chris Paul's wife and that may scupper the banana boat reunion due to Carmelo's recent playing up. Thus the Blazers play for him