Carmelo Anthony could still join forces with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, despite reports to the contrary, Carmelo Anthony could still waive his no-trade clause in order for the Cleveland Cavaliers to require him. In addition, although the Houston Rockets have been painted as the only team that Anthony would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for, the Rockets are simply his preferred destination
"“His preference is to be in Houston. That’s not the only place that he could go. Cleveland is still a possibility”."
For Cavs’ fans, while Smith’s credibility in matters concerning LeBron James may be questionable, Smith has been dialed-in with the New York basketball scene for decades. With that said, there’s little doubt that he’s on point in what he says in matter surrounding the New York Knicks.
Anthony doesn’t want to be in Cleveland, in part because of the suddenly chaotic atmosphere there, according to the New York Post’s Marc Berman.
From the New York Post:
"“A stalemate has ensued as sources indicate Anthony only wishes to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Rockets. Not even Cleveland, which is in turmoil, is good enough for Anthony as the Cavaliers are dealing with Kyrie Irving’s trade demand.”"
It also seems to be, in part, because Anthony would rather Kyrie Irving be on the Cavs’ team if he was to go The Land rather than Irving being on his way to New York as he’s on his way out.
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Nonetheless, it was always curious that Anthony would outright block a trade to the Cavs.
No matter what, the Cavs are still championship favorites; LeBron James, the best player in the world and one of his best friends, has been to seven straight NBA Finals. Anthony would also have a more prominent role with Irving gone than if he stayed. Lastly, with his wife LaLa saying Carmelo wants to be by his son, Cleveland is closer to New York than Houston.
Sure, Houston is drama-less. They still would have to go through the Western Conference Battle Royal to reach the NBA Finals though. In addition, Chris Paul could opt to leave the Houston Rockets next summer, since he’s expected to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-2018 season.
There’s no more security and certainty in Houston than there is in Cleveland, to be frank.
Why wouldn’t the Cleveland Cavaliers still be an option?
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