Report: Melo open to waiving no-trade clause for Rockets, Cavs

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is open to waiving his no-trade clause in order to facilitate a move to the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The recent acquisition of All-Star point guard Chris Paul, a close friend of Anthony's, saw the Rockets - who, of course, already boast MVP runner-up James Harden - establish themselves as an option that interests the 33-year-old small forward, according to Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski notes, however, that the Cavaliers remain a "preferred" destination for Anthony, thanks to the presence of LeBron James.

Related - Report: Knicks still trying to trade Melo

The Rockets are known suitors for the 10-time All-Star, as reports last week suggested Daryl Morey was promptly turned down when he tried to land Anthony in exchange for 3-point shooter Ryan Anderson.

That was largely due to Anderson being owed $61.3 million over the next three years; per Wojnarowski, the Knicks, who are reluctant to buy out Anthony, "are trying to avoid long-term salary commitments to older players."

Anthony, who averaged 22.4 points last season, is under contract for two more years, with $54 million remaining on his deal.

He has a trade kicker that would pay him an additional $8.1 million should he be shipped out of the Big Apple, though Wojnarowski notes he has the option to lower it, or waive it completely, to help push a deal through.