Aside from a couple of minor moves, the Cleveland Cavaliers have mostly stood pat at the start of the free agency. The Houston Rockets made a big splash with their trade for All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Now both could be in the running for another big name in Carmelo Anthony.
With such a daunting task in raising another championship banner in their respective cities, both the Cavs and Rockets are looking to acquire another All-Star caliber player to help beat the reigning NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.
A difficult salary cap situation for both teams makes it is quite a challenge to make significant upgrade, but a chance to acquire a talent like Anthony rarely comes along and must be acted on. With Anthony’s days as a Knick coming to an end relatively soon he might be looking at other teams for chance at an NBA title. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN Anthony is open to waiving his no-trade clause to either join one of two teams:
Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, is open to waiving his no-trade clause to join the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers should those teams create a pathway to a deal with the New York Knicks, league sources told ESPN.
With Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Paul Millsap heading to the Western Conference the Cavs seemingly have another easy road to the reach their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance where most would assume they would probably meet the Warriors again. Beating them is already a challenge but adding Anthony might make it a more feasible task. An opportunity to play alongside good friend LeBron James makes it very attractive for Anthony to join the Cavs.
If Anthony were to join the Rockets he would also be in a position where he is set up for a chance to compete for a championship. James Harden and Paul are undoubtedly top players, but do they really give Anthony the best shot at success.
In Houston, Anthony would have to battle in a grueling Western Conference and will also have to find a chemistry with other ball dominant players in Harden and Paul. Both teams offer Anthony a better opportunity than New York so in the end it is really where Anthony feels most comfortable and if a deal can be worked out.