Melo had 'great conversations' with Knicks, still reportedly set on Rockets

Carmelo Anthony wants to regain his joy for the game of basketball following years of losing, and he thinks he'll find it with the Houston Rockets.

Anthony revealed Thursday on ESPN's SportsCenter that he's had "great conversations" with the rebuilding Knicks about a trade, and they're aware of his goal to join a contender so he can try to win a championship.

"Conversations have been had," the 33-year-old said. "There've been plenty of conversations that have been had on both sides. I think we both know where we stand as far as myself, as far as the Knicks organization. They know how I feel. I know how they feel. We have been in communication. At this point, I want to see what happens."

What Melo's hoping happens is a trade to Houston - his preferred team - but Marc Berman of The New York Post reported that the Rockets lack the assets the Knicks seek in return. So New York hopes Anthony, who wields a no-trade clause, expands the list of teams he'd be open to joining. The 10-time All-Star has reportedly drawn interest from the Portland Trail Blazers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

To New York's dismay, it's believed Melo's wish list has actually shrunk, with the Cleveland Cavaliers now reportedly out of the running, leaving only the Rockets. Anthony feels good about the possibility of joining fellow stars James Harden and Chris Paul in Clutch City.

"I'm very optimistic," he said. "I've had great conversations with new GM Scott Perry. He understands my mindset, where I'm at. My career right now, what I'm looking for. Things were put on the table. It was great dialogue, great conversations from both sides. Respectful from both sides."

The three-time Olympic gold medalist averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 dimes per game last year for the Knicks, who missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. He has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract worth $26.2 million.