New York Knicks star forward Carmelo Anthony is expected to remain with the team beyond Thursday’s NBA trading deadline, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
A major reason why Anthony will be remaining in New York deals with the fact that the 10-time all-star Anthony posses a no-trade clause that he received from Knicks president Phil Jackson when he re-signed with the team on a five-year, $124 million deal in July 2014.
“The Knicks have not brought anything to his [Anthony’s] group that would inspire them to really want to waive this no-trade clause,” Wojnarowski said (h/t CBS Sports). “Most of the teams who had interest in him are looking in other directions right now and expect Melo to remain in New York, at least for the rest of this season.
The Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and Cleveland Cavaliers were all rumored to be in trade discussions regarding Anthony, with the need for Anthony on the team being evident on each one of these teams. Cleveland would want Anthony due to his close relationship with LeBron James, and the Clippers would want Anthony because they need an upgrade at small forward, and Anthony is also very close with Chris Paul.
Boston has Jae Crowder at small forward, but he likely would’ve been traded to bring Anthony in. Adding in Anthony could’ve potentially shot the Celtics ahead of the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, but it looks like Crowder, Isaiah Thomas, and Al Horford will have to be the main factors in the playoffs.
A power struggle is going on with the Knicks and Anthony right now. It is clear that Anthony believes that he is still able to perform at a superstar level, but it looks like Knicks management wants to pass the keys over to Kristaps Porzingis to become the team’s star player instead of Anthony, but it looks like Anthony is undetermined to ever leave the Knicks until his contract is over.
The 32-year-old Anthony is averaging 23.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season.
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