Carmelo Anthony (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors surrounding Carmelo Anthony has been centered on just a couple of teams that he could waive his no-trade clause for.
However, the situation may reach a breaking point as Phil Jackson continues to push and make public remarks (although it's veiled) against his star player.
The Zen Master's tweet read: "Bleacher's Ding almost rings the bell, but I learned you don't change the spot on a leopard with Michael Graham in my CBA daze."
The context of this tweet was that it was a reaction to piece by Bleacher Report senior writer Kevin Ding. He mentioned that "We're overrating Anthony's will to win again," and that "Anthony is who he is, addicted to his individual success no matter the experience or insight put around him to teach him something more."
Michael Graham was a talented player of the Albany Patroons of Continental Basketball Association in the mid-80's, which Jackson coached. Graham was released by the team after Jackson had difficulty coaching him. Is he insinuating that Anthony will meet the same fate?
Thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract, Jackson's hands are tied and he has to play his mind-games to force Melo out. The thing is, there are real options for Anthony as listed by Marc Spears of The Undefeated.
Aside from the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, there are Eastern teams that could benefit from getting the former scoring champion. Spears enumerates that these three cities have selling points that could entice Carmelo to waive his "no trade clause."
The Washington Wizards has the hometown edge, for what it's worth. "While Anthony has often called New York City home, his true hometown is his childhood city of Baltimore. The Washington Wizards are the NBA team of the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area and would have a scary offensive lineup with Anthony, All-Star guard John Wall and shooting guard Bradley Beal."
That did not sway Durant as a free agent, but Carmelo would be involved in a trade and doesn't have the same options (or importance) as KD. With the Wizards recent resurgence, his addition could have them deep in the playoffs.
The Toronto Raptors are already a fringe contender as it is, but adding Melo can push them over. "Anthony said during the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto that he is a fan of the Canadian city. With the Toronto Raptors, he would join forces with a star-studded backcourt of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry."
Spears also envisioned a frontline of Dwight Howard, Paul Millsap and Anthony in Atlanta. He pointed out that "La La Anthony is also an Atlanta native who is close friends with rapper/actor Ludacris and singer Ciara."
If Melo wants to win, there are solid options for him even in the East. If he continues to prioritize being in the Big Apple despite the sordid situation with their team, then maybe the questions on his "will to win" have real basis.
