With the drama surrounding Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks regarding his status with the team continuing to build up, Melo’s departure this summer remains imminent. Phil Jackson clearly has a different direction he’d like the franchise to move in and Anthony seems to have no place in the Knicks future.
Anthony has been linked to multiple teams but none more prominent than the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, if this short offseason thus far has been any indication, the Knicks are struggling to find trade partners for Anthony, whether it be the Cavs or anyone else for that matter.
This makes a contract buyout a viable option, something Anthony has reportedly already discussed with the Knicks according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
League sources: Carmelo Anthony's camp, while acknowledging Melo's preference to stay in NYC, has tried to engage the Knicks in buyout talks
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
Through this entire saga, Anthony has expressed his interest in staying with the Knicks and has even said he won’t waive his no-trade clause unless a deal is struck with a few select teams.
While the buyout would give Carmelo the luxury to join whichever team he pleases as a free agent, the Knicks aren’t likely to agree to buying out their aging star according to Stein.
But league sources say that the Knicks have thus far resisted the idea of a Melo buyout that would clear the way for him to join the Cavs
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
Though a buyout seems like a longshot, Carmelo Anthony would presumably be interested in joining LeBron James in Cleveland if it were to ever happen. The Cavs are looking to add one more core piece to contend with Golden State and Anthony ahs been just one of a handful of names linked to them already this offseason.
The Knicks have been a franchise surrounded by constant turmoil these last few weeks and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. It was thought that the Knicks had a clear direction and that was a rebuild around young superstar Kristaps Porzingis. However, after reports surfaced that Jackson may be open to trading their lone bright spot ahead of the draft, the Knicks have as shaky a future as anybody.
