Carmelo Anthony is finally willing to be traded out of New York and Cleveland is one of the potential destinations for him. However, outside of their three best players, the Cavaliers simply don't have valuable assets to trade to the Knicks. While the Knicks probably won't be asking for too much, it is unlikely they would take J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert back, so there's a good chance that Kevin Love gets traded to New York.
In order for the trade to be valid, the Cavaliers would have to send approximately $21 million in player salaries to the New York Knicks.
This means they would have to trade Tristan Thompson, Smith, Shumpert or Channing Frye to the Knicks. Taking into account how good Carmelo is, New York probably wouldn't accept these players for him.
The Cavaliers don't have many options
Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith used to play for the New York Knicks but were traded to the Cavaliers two and a half years ago. It is doubtful that the Knicks would take them back, especially considering they are owed over $24 million next season combined.
The Knicks will most likely tank next season and try to get a good lottery pick in 2018 NBA draft. Taking Shumpert and Smith back would mean they are stuck with these two players for at least two more years, and their contracts' value will increase to almost $26 million combined for 2018/19 season.
Another option for the Cavaliers would be trading Channing Frye's expiring contract, which is worth $7.4 million next season. However, his contract alone is not enough for the trade to go through and Cleveland would have to add either Smith or Tristan Thompson to the trade.
Kevin Love's trade to the Knicks
The best and simplest option for both teams would be a Love-for-Anthony swap.
Love will be paid $22.6 million next year and this trade would benefit both sides. The Cavaliers would get Anthony and Carmelo would finally be on a championship contender.
On the other side, the New York Knicks would get a great big man who is one of the best rebounders in the league and who can shoot very well. If they intend to tank, they could trade Love for some young and great players or for expiring contracts.
However, taking into account how weak the East will be next season, there's a good chance the Knicks would make the playoffs as Love is capable of carrying a team to the postseason in a weak conference.
Now, it is not very likely that Anthony would be a good replacement for Love. The Cavaliers need rebounding and that was one of their biggest weaknesses last season. While Anthony is a great player, his impact on the Cavaliers might not be as big as they need it to be.
