Carmelo Anthony will not play for the New York Knicks this season. You read it here first.
Even though that’s not a confirmed report, all signs indicate the star forward won’t be playing in New York when the next season starts. He has been on the trade block for almost two years, does not fit with the coaching staff, and had multiple problems with the front office. The departure of Phil Jackson is not going to solve anything, because Melo wants to win a ring. And he knows he won’t do that in New York anytime soon.
As a result, we will explore which teams are the best fit for Anthony. The Knicks would have to buyout his contract to move him elsewhere, because trading him is almost impossible. So all the potential destinations are with that condition.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets were not in Anthony’s radar until 24 hours ago. But when Houston signed Chris Paul and paired him up with James Harden, the Rockets suddenly became an interesting destination for almost every free agent in the league.
As of now, the Rockets look like the top team in the West behind the Golden State Warriors. Their abundance of shooters and two of the league’s best playmakers will cause havoc on any defense, and adding Anthony would only make them even more dangerous. Despite the fact he has a tendency to make the game go through him, he wouldn’t be able to do such thing in Houston with Paul and Harden running the show. He would have to focus on scoring, which frankly is what he does best. Plus, he would thrive in an up-tempo offense such as Mike D’Antoni’s one.
The interest is there as well. Anthony wants to join the Rockets, and Houston wants him. Everything depends on the buyout, but if that happens – look out. It wouldn’t be a shock if Anthony were a Rocket by the time next season starts.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Everybody around the league knows LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are close. Buddies. Best friends. But they have never played together, mostly due to salary and contract reasons. But if Anthony gets his contract bought out, then there’s an outside shot he might join the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only he would play with his friend LeBron, but he would also make Cleveland the top threat to beat the Warriors. Again.
The Cavaliers would have to move either Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love to make this possible, though, and all signs indicate Love would be the one sent packing. Anthony, LeBron and Irving would form an even more dangerous Big Three than the one Cleveland has with Love, but the problem would be on defense. Anthony is not known for his efforts on that end of the court. And it would take a huge commitment from him to start a few games at PF as well.
The upside is that him, Kyrie and LeBron would be extremely fun to watch. And they could score on any team, any given day.
Boston Celtics
This is where things get interesting. Imagine the Celtics getting one of Gordon Hayward or Paul George. Next to Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford, that would be an interesting Big Three. However, what happens if we add Anthony into the equation? Hayward can play as a shooting guard, thus leaving the space free for Anthony as a small forward. It’s hard to see Anthony fitting in Brad Stevens’ scheme, but the potential is there.
If there is one thing the Celtics have been missing over the past few years is a proven scorer. Someone who can carry with the team’s offense day in and day out. Thomas did that last season, but he’s better suited for a complementary role. His height problems could eventually become an issue as we saw in last season’s playoffs, and Anthony’s arrival would improve the team on that situation. He might be a one-dimensional player, but if there is one thing he can do, is putting the ball in the basket.
And you? Where do you think Anthony will play next season?