Why Carmelo Anthony should favor Cleveland over Houston

Aug 21, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and USA guard Kyrie Irving (10) pose for a picture after winning the gold medal in the men's basketball gold medal match during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: David E. Klutho-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and USA guard Kyrie Irving (10) pose for a picture after winning the gold medal in the men's basketball gold medal match during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: David E. Klutho-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half in game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half in game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland can keep Kevin Love

Another player linked to both Cleveland and Houston in the last few weeks is Paul George. The Pacers star has expressed a desire to leave Indiana in free agency next year, and preferably join the Lakers. As contending teams, both the Cavaliers and Rockets are attempting to trade for George to make a championship run.

The Cavaliers would likely need to give up Kevin Love, a major asset, in order to land George. His name has been brought up in several trade scenarios over the last several weeks.

With Anthony being a buyout candidate that would likely sign with Cleveland at a discount, the Cavs may not have to give up Love to bring him in. This would allow the team to get better without sacrificing an All-Star talent. Love had his best season in a Cavaliers uniform last year, averaging 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Adding Carmelo Anthony, a 22.4 point per game scorer, to a championship winning core could put the Cavaliers back on even footing with their rivals, the Golden State Warriors.

In conclusion, the Cavs offer Anthony a better chance at success and more camaraderie than Houston. It would be easier for the Cavs to bring Anthony in, given his situation with the Knicks. If Melo is indeed part of the Cavaliers’ roster for the 2017-18 season, these may be the reasons why.

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