Carmelo Anthony is undoubtedly the hottest trade target in the NBA right now. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets are interested in luring him out of New York, and the Knicks seemed like they were also interested in doing that. However, it seems that Anthony might stay in New York as the Knicks paused trade talks.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks have paused trade discussions, and there is a big chance that Carmelo Anthony doesn't get traded. Just a few days ago, it seemed that Anthony was very close to being traded to the Houston Rockets.
However, things have changed and the Rockets may not acquire another superstar this summer.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were also in pursuit of Melo, but the Rockets were favorites to sign him. As of now, it looks there are no favorites to land the superstar small forward as it's questionable if the Knicks will continue trade negotiations with these other two teams.
Carmelo might stay in New York
Phil Jackson, who used to be the New York Knicks president, wanted to get rid of Carmelo Anthony. Jackson even made a few public comments, saying that Anthony would be better off somewhere else, and it was clear that he didn't want him on the team anymore.
However, the Knicks and Jackson parted ways a few weeks ago, and it seems that's the reason why the trade talks have been paused.
Even though the Knicks did not turn down trade offers for Anthony immediately after Jackson was fired, they are doing that now and it is very likely the small forward will stay in New York.
Shelburne and Wojnarowski reported that the New York Knicks want to talk to Carmelo "about possibly reincorporating him into the organization." However, it is not expected that the 33-year old superstar will be willing to help the Knicks out after they attempted to trade him so many times.
New York, Houston or Cleveland?
When it comes to the best team Anthony could play for, it's definitely the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Houston Rockets would be incredible with the trio of Anthony, James Harden, and Chris Paul, the Cavaliers play in the East and Anthony would most likely reach the NBA Finals.
When it comes to the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony simply has no reason to stay with them after everything that's happened recently. The Knicks will most likely be one of the worst teams in the NBA next season and if he stays, there is a good chance he retires without winning a championship ring.
