Carmelo Anthony has a new suitor, and that is the new orleans Pelicans. The New York Post reports that, according to an NBA source, the Pelicans have shown interest in pursuing New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony in this off-season. However, while Anthony has been receptive to waiving his no-trade clause for the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Post reports that an NBA source has informed them that Anthony would not be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Pelicans.
Cousins wants Carmelo
One Pelicans player who seems to be strongly advocating the need to sign Carmelo Anthony is DeMarcus Cousins.
"We need as much talent and as many pieces as we can get. I’ve reached out to everybody," Cousins told the New Orleans Times-Picayune from Johannesburg, South Africa. Cousins did not want to give names, but he made sure to say that he was referring to big names.
Anthony and Cousins share a close relationship as they have played together for Team USA. Cousins said that Anthony had the biggest impact on him. In addition, because Anthony is one of the biggest names still on the NBA market, it is presumed that Cousins has talked to him about a potential union in New Orleans. Boogie has also recently liked an Instagram post that links Carmelo to Cousins' team.
Cousins and Davis not an attractive duo?
Cousins forms a powerful front court with Anthony Davis. Cousins joined the team midseason, but the duo was not able to lead the Pelicans to the playoffs. Pelicans fans hoped to see more chemistry on the court between their two stars because their playoff hopes rest in their hands. Otherwise, Cousins could leave in free agency next summer and Davis could look to be traded to a team that can contend for the NBA title, for example the Boston Celtics, a team that has been linked with a potential trade for Davis in the past.
But Cousins and Davis do not have much help around them. Jrue Holiday re-signed this summer, but Cousins and Davis will have to be outstanding every night if they want to be successful. In addition, managing Cousins' ego is always a challenge for any coach and teammate. On the other hand, Davis is a laid-back star. One can understand why Carmelo would decline to join a team led by two stars who may not work well together or could not be there in the near future.
Knicks remain patient
The Knicks hope Anthony will reconsider his position and be ready to waive his no-trade clause for more teams. The sources also say that the Knicks' front office let Anthony know that he should do so because they refuse to do a "bad trade." Anthony has recently said that he has had "great conversations" with the new general manager Scott Perry, It remains to be seen if such conversations are intended to put Anthony out of his misery and out of the Knicks, or to keep him happy right where he is now.
