Desperate to get out of the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony is willing to waive more than the no-trade clause in his contract for a trade to the Houston Rockets. Adrian Wojnarowski told ESPN’s “The Jump” that Anthony is willing to waive the trade kicker in his contract worth $8 million to make it easier for the Rockets to make the trade. Anthony is set to earn $26.2 million next season, but his take could increase to $34.2 million when the kicker takes effect.
Anthony expressed willingness to waive his no-trade clause if he’s shipped to the Rockets or the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If the trade to the Rockets pushes through, he will play with close friend Chris Paul, who was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers recently. However, Ian Begley of ESPN said the Knicks don’t like the offers they have received from the Rockets or any team interested in Anthony.
Rockets willing to wait for Anthony
When negotiations between the Rockets and Knicks began, Houston offered Ryan Anderson to New York. However, the Knicks turned down the offer because they don’t want to be saddled with Anderson’s remaining three years and $61 million in his contract. The Rockets even brought in two more teams because they lack tradable pieces to send to the Knicks. Earlier, they shipped Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley, Sam Dekker and a top-3 protected 2018 first-round pick to the Clippers for Paul.
However, the Knicks halted negotiations to give new general manager Scott Perry time to meet with Anthony and discuss the possibility of reincorporating the veteran to the team. However, Anthony told the Knicks that he doesn’t want to stay in New York and reiterated his intention to be traded to the Rockets. According to Wojnarowski, the Rockets are ready for a long negotiation with the Knicks, which could drag until September or possibly the start of training camp.
Trail Blazers also interested in Anthony
Recently, Portland joined the chase for Anthony with CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard courting the 10-time All-Star to include the Trail Blazers in his preferred list of trade destinations. With Anthony, the Blazers believe that they will become an instant contender in the Western Conference and could give the Golden State Warriors a run for their money.
However, sources close to Anthony said the superstar is not interested in joining the Trail Blazers. The Blazers are not interesting in joining a four-team trade involving Anthony if he’s going to a Western Conference rival like the Rockets.
