Fansided

NBA trade rumors: Carmelo Anthony only wants to go to Houston

By Jeremy Lambert

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after he is called for a foul in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after he is called for a foul in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Carmelo Anthony only wants to go to Houston, making it tougher for the Knicks to deal him.

It’s officially August and Carmelo Anthony is still a member of the New York Knicks. He’s not making it easy on his current club to deal him either.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the star small forward only wants to go to the Houston Rockets. Given the no-trade clause in his contract, the Knicks are at the mercy of Melo.

When news of the 10-time All-Star wanting out of New York broke earlier this summer, there were two destinations on Anthony list: Cleveland and Houston.

As the days passed and Cleveland became more and more unstable, Anthony has seemingly removed them from the conversation. A Carmelo Anthony for Kyrie Irving swap was the talk of the town once reports came out that Irving had requested a trade from the Cavaliers. However, if Anthony is unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, those talks are moot.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder were rumored to have an interest in the former scoring champion. Blazers stars C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard reportedly recruited Anthony, but their pitch seemed to fall on deaf ears. The Blazers could still be involved in a potential deal for Carmelo as a third team. The Thunder and Anthony were “circling each other,” but both parties got too dizzy and decided to move on.

Anthony still has two years left on a contract that pays him $26.2 million next season. He can terminate the contract following the 2017-18 season, allowing him to become a free agent. Given that his relationship with the Knicks looks to be beyond repair, the team should do everything in their power to move him.

Next: Kyrie Irving isn't right for the Knicks

Unfortunately for them, Carmelo holds the better hand.

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