Report: Carmelo adds Thunder, Cavs to list of approved trade destinations
A third team on Carmelo Anthony's list has apparently been revealed.
The player's camp has informed the New York Knicks that he'd waive his no-trade clause to join the Oklahoma City Thunder, team sources told ESPN's Ian Begley on Friday.
This news comes hours after a report that he's also added the Cleveland Cavaliers to his list of potential destinations.
Related - Report: Carmelo expands list of teams he'd accept trade to, including Cavs
The Knicks have been trying to move the veteran forward for some time, and ramped up their efforts over the summer after he told them he doesn't want to return.
In recent months, the Houston Rockets emerged as the front-runner to land the 10-time All-Star and were believed to be the only club he'd waive his no-trade clause to join. However, talks stalled because Houston doesn't have the assets New York wants in return for its best player. While the two sides reportedly considered bringing in a third team (the Milwaukee Bucks came up in rumors), the Knicks were hopeful Anthony would budge on his wish list.
With training camp beginning next week, it seems the 33-year-old has finally caved by adding the Thunder and Cavaliers to the mix with the Rockets.
The Thunder bolstered their roster this offseason, most notably by acquiring elite two-way swingman Paul George to pair with MVP Russell Westbrook. Anthony has existing relationships with both. He spent time balling out against and hanging out with Westbrook this summer, and captured Olympic gold with George in Rio a year ago.
That All-Star trio would make for a fearsome Big Three. So would Anthony, James Harden, and Chris Paul. Or Melo, LeBron James, and Isaiah Thomas. Either way, Anthony's desire to leave the Big Apple for any of those expected contenders indicate he's serious about winning.
He averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from long range last season. He has two years and about $54 million remaining on his contract.