Report: Carmelo Anthony Would Waive No-Trade Clause to Come to Cleveland

With the New York Knicks again watching their season implode, veteran forward Carmelo Anthony has reportedly indicated that he would be willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract if he could be sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Clippers.

Charlie Rosen, a good friend of Knicks team president Phil Jackson, wrote a column for FanRag Sports that hinted about Anthony’s supposed preferences if the team is intent on moving him:

“Also, while he’s never been accused of playing defense, Anthony is intent on saving even more steps on this end of the game to conserve his energy for offense.

“He’s four months away from his 33rd birthday, his contract is humongous and contains a no-trade clause. It’s understood that he’d only accept being dealt to the Cavaliers or the Clippers.

“However, since his recurring complaint is that everybody blames him for every game the Knicks lose, perhaps Melo is sufficiently disgusted to accept a trade elsewhere. Perhaps to the young, rebuilding (Los Angeles) Lakers — after all, his wife’s name is La La.”

Cavaliers forward LeBron James is a close friend of Anthony’s. Due to that tight relationship, James has spoken in the past of his desire to play with Anthony, the third selection in the 2003 NBA Draft. James, of course, was the top choice in that stellar draft.

The problem with this scenario is that Anthony’s salary currently precludes the Cavaliers from trading for him — unless they send players that will match his $24.5 million salary this season. Given that likelihood, the idea of Anthony coming to play for the Cavs appears to be wishful thinking.