The New York Knicks are in the middle of yet another difficult season and the ongoing drama between Carmelo Anthony and team president Phil Jackson has not made it any easier for the organization. Despite the team's struggles this season, Melo continues to put up consistent performances and is averaging 23.0 points and 6.6 rebounds this season.
Even though Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract with the Knicks, the All Star forward has said that he is willing to have the clause waived if the Knicks let him know that they want to rebuild. With the ongoing tension between Anthony and Phil Jackson, and the latter's subtle hints at wanting to ship Anthony out of New York, a trade involving Melo before the trade deadline (February 23) could become a possibility.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers might appear like the favorites to acquire Melo, LeBron James and the team have repeatedly denied trade rumors about Anthony joining his squad. A couple of weeks ago rumors were flying around claiming that a trade involving Anthony and Cavs forward Kevin Love was in the works. Love is currently playing some of his basketball to date with Cleveland, so it would absolutely make no sense for the reigning NBA champions to let go one of him according to The Undefeated.
Even if the Cavs might not be interested in Anthony as of this time, there are a few teams that could benefit from his services. The Los Angeles Clippers are a perennial playoff team in the Western Conference, but they are only one elite small forward away from becoming title contenders, and Melo could be that missing piece that they are looking for. The Clippers are already loaded with plenty of star power, and adding someone like Anthony could help take a huge load off of Chris Paul's shoulders and may even convince him to extend his contract with the team in the offseason.
The Boston Celtics are another team that could benefit from Anthony. He even mentioned how he was willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to the team, according to an earlier report from the Boston Globe. The Celtics are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavs, and have all of the necessary assets and pieces to secure a deal for Anthony. A duo of Carmelo Anthony and Isaiah Thomas could work well for the Celtics, and considering that Boston is only a 45-minute flight from New York, Melo would have no problem going to the Celtics while his family remains in New York.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
