Report: Carmelo's camp engaged Knicks on potential buyout; N.Y. resisting
The New York Knicks and All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony continue to want two different things.
Despite his preference to remain in the Big Apple, Anthony's camp has engaged the organization in buyout talks, league sources told ESPN's Marc Stein.
Even so, the Knicks are reportedly resisting the idea, as it would then give him the opportunity to potentially join LeBron James and the already formidable Cleveland Cavaliers.
Anthony is set to make $26.2 million in 2017-18, with an early termination clause in his contract the following year. He also has a no-trade clause that he would need to waive for the Knicks to receive any sort of compensation for his services.
The Cavaliers - who fell in the NBA Finals in five games to the Golden State Warriors - are viewed as the front-runners to land the 33-year-old if he is in fact bought out.
Anthony has also been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers in the past, and has reportedly even considered moves to both the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards.
What seems to be the determining factor here is his only child, Kiyan, as Anthony wants to remain close to his son during a period of time when he and his wife, La La, are separated.
In 74 appearances this past season for the lowly 31-51 Knicks, Anthony averaged 22.4 points on 43.3 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent from deep, along with 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.