Report: Knicks planning to move Carmelo Anthony this offseason
By Kparrish Jr
The Knicks reportedly are focused on moving Carmelo Anthony his summer.
As the New York Knicks will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season, the team will reportedly revisit trade talks involving Carmelo Anthony as they look to rebuild. Anthony has a full no-trade clause, giving him power over his future, but that hasn’t stopped Phil Jackson and the Knicks from trying to move him all season.
Before the Feb. 22 trade deadline passed, New York reportedly reached out to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Clippers about a potential deal for Anthony. Those teams were rumored as destinations Anthony would consider waving his no-trade clause for, despite making his desire known to stay in New York.
Those talks didn’t get far, with Cleveland unwilling to trade Kevin Love for Carmelo straight, and Boston unwilling to trade multiple impact pieces in order for the financial side to work out in a trade. Los Angeles had interest adding Anthony to the Big 3 but New York didn’t love the pieces they were offered. New York will continue to look for suitors in the off season, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley.
"The Knicks shopped Anthony in trade talks before the deadline and, barring an unforeseen change of course, remain committed to moving Anthony in the offseason, per sources."
The Los Angeles Clippers showed the most interest at the trade deadline, possibly emerging as a top suitor in the offseason. Keep in mind that members of the Clippers organization were supposedly confident that a deal could be made in the summer.
Yet, the future in Los Angeles appears up in the air, with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick all able to enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Also, rumors are swirling around Doc Rivers possibly moving to the Orlando Magic in the future.
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At the end of the day the decision is on Anthony. Assuming he’s willing to continue through the losing and public scrutiny, New York can’t do anything but let Anthony play out the reminder of his contract.