Report: Melo 'focused on' move to Rockets amid Irving trade rumors
Carmelo Anthony isn't trying to get aboard a sinking ship.
The New York Knicks forward is reportedly ready to move on from his hometown team and would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join the Cleveland Cavaliers or Houston Rockets.
A move to the former had gained much more traction lately - that is, until reports emerged Friday that Kyrie Irving asked the Cavaliers to trade him and named New York as a preferred destination.
While the Knicks are believed to be discussing a deal that would send Anthony and future first-round picks to Cleveland, the 33-year-old is "focused on" going to Houston instead, a source told New York Daily News' Frank Isola late Friday.
With his no-trade clause, Melo can veto a move to the Cavs and continue to push for a trade to the Rockets. He's so set on the move that he's reportedly open to waiving his $8-million trade kicker to help make it happen.
It's not difficult to understand why he'd want to reunite with head coach Mike D'Antoni in Houston and play with fellow stars Chris Paul and James Harden, who recruited Anthony in Paris last month. The roster is expected to contend, even in the Wild West, which is more than can be said for the Cavaliers if they lose Irving and possibly LeBron James afterward.
Related: Irving's exit would kick-start Cavs' downfall
Complications, though, stem from Houston's lack of desirable assets to give up in a potential Melo trade. As such, the club has reportedly been working on a multi-team swap in order to land the 10-time All-Star.
Related: Harden says Melo would help Rockets tremendously
Anthony averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season in the Big Apple. He has one guaranteed year left on his contract that will see him earn $26.2 million in 2017-18.
He has the Rockets' full attention, and they apparently have his.