Carmelo Anthony and Blake Griffin (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks could move on from Carmelo Anthony as he is dominating the NBA trade rumors.
Melo has been in the hot seat after publicly voicing his frustration over the Knicks continued failure. For the past two seasons, pundits have continues to predict that Anthony would waive his no-trade clause either to chase a title or out of sheer frustration.
Now, the latest rumors have stated that he would only agree to a trade for the LA Clippers or the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was revealed by Charlie Rosen in his fiery piece in FanRag Sports.
"He's four months away from his 33rd birthday, his contract is humongous and contains a no-trade clause. It's understood that he'd only accept being dealt to the Cavaliers or the Clippers," Rosen said.
The Clippers have had interest in Carmelo Anthony. As the Clips are playing more small ball, Anthony would be a good fit as a stretch four in Doc Rivers' offense. But who could the Clippers send out in return?
In terms of salary, the only players that can match Anthony's huge contract would be one of the Clippers' Big Three. Two of those players, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, are impending free agents at the end of the season. If the Clippers don't like their chances of keeping any of the two, they could make a move to salvage the potential loss.
Chris Paul is one of the reasons why Carmelo Anthony would agree to waive his no-trade clause to the Clippers, Griffin seems like the logical trade piece as Carmelo would take over his position and run a faster offense.
Also, as Kevin O' Connor of The Ringer also stated, the Clippers can survive, even thrive without their main attraction.
"It's at least possible they'd be better off," O' Connor said. Thus, it may push them to pull the trigger. "If the Clippers continue to thrive without Griffin for the next four to six weeks, maybe then Rivers will be more inclined to take incoming trade offers seriously."
Blake Griffin would be the best case scenario for the Knicks and they should be willing to count on the bright lights of the Big Apple to entice Blake to stay. He could be a good complement to Kristaps Porzingis. At the very least, it could bring new energy to Madison Square Garden.
