New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony is rumored to be on the trading block as the Feb. 18 trade deadline draws near.
Anthony has instantly been the center of trade rumors after a bombshell report claiming the Knicks are involved in a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Cavs and Celtics were originally discussing a trade comprising Kevin Love, but the deal was briefly expanded to include Anthony.
Isola also mentioned that "talks have not progressed" and cited Anthony's stand of staying committed with the Knicks organization.
"I'm pretty sure I'll have that conversation with myself, my family, my team [agents]," Anthony said, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. "That's not a conversation right now.''
However, there is a possibility, albeit low, that Anthony could be tempted to join a contender for a shot at the elusive NBA title he has been longing for.
There are plenty of top teams that would give Anthony an opportunity to finally experience an NBA Finals appearance, but only few of them have a realistic chance to land the 31-year-old forward. Here are three of the best landing spots for Anthony in the event that the Knicks convince him to waive his no-trade clause.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers could offer Anthony a chance to pursue a championship both for himself and for the franchise. Playing for the Clippers also brings Anthony closer to his good friend Chris Paul, who could maximize the Knicks superstar's talents.
However, the Clippers do not seem to have enough pieces to trade for Anthony, except for All-Star forward Blake Griffin, who has also been linked to the rumor mill in the recent week.
While a straight swap of Anthony for Griffin works in ESPN's trade machine, it is unlikely such deal would only involve two players. The Clippers and the Knicks would probably ask for other pieces, or a third team to make a sweeter package.
Boston Celtics
It would be wise for Anthony to get traded to a team in the Eastern Conference as the West side has a stiffer competition. The Celtics seems a good fit for Anthony if a trade goes down.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has been looking for a superstar and Anthony certainly fits that bill.
Boston also has the assets to pull off a blockbuster deal without ruining their core and chemistry. They could trade David Lee's expiring contract, Avery Bradley, and two 2016 first round draft picks from the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Anthony.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony leaving the Knicks to join Lebron James and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland would probably be the one of the most intriguing trade deals in NBA history, and according to Isola is a scenario that "makes the most sense."
The Cavs are currently leading the East and despite the surprise ascend of the Celtics and Toronto Raptors in the power rankings, Cleveland are still the favorite to reach the NBA Finals.
One possible trade scenario that succeeds in ESPN's trade machine is Cleveland sending Kevin Love to the Celtics, and the Knicks getting back Lee and Mo Williams from the Cavs.
It remains to be seen whether Anthony can be persuaded to waive his no-trade clause. Nevertheless, Anthony heading to another team would certainly change the landscape of the NBA.