Report: Knicks had preliminary talks to land Bucks' Parker in Melo-Rockets trade
The Milwaukee Bucks could step in to help send New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony to the Houston Rockets.
Milwaukee has emerged as a potential third team in the seemingly imminent blockbuster deal, and in "(very) preliminary talks" it discussed sending Jabari Parker to New York, sources told ESPN's Ian Begley.
The Bucks would likely have to take on Ryan Anderson's deal - valued at about $60 million over the next three years - and could offload the sizable contract of either John Henson or Greg Monroe.
The Knicks have been trying to move Anthony for some time, and the Houston Rockets are believed to be the front-runners to acquire the 33-year-old forward, who has a no-trade clause that he'd reportedly waive to join James Harden and Chris Paul in Clutch City.
However, talks between Houston and New York have stalled, with Begley's sources describing them as "not close" on a trade as of last week because the Rockets lack the assets the Knicks seek in return for their star.
Anthony previously informed his hometown club he doesn't want to return, and the team has hinted he's no longer part of its future, but Begley's sources said there's been "little contact" between the sides lately. The Knicks aren't interested in buying out the 10-time All-Star.
Instead, New York is holding out for a package that includes a young stud on a relatively cheap deal, draft-pick compensation, and an expiring contract or two. Parker, a talented 22-year-old forward who's on the final year of his rookie deal, represents the former.
The No. 2 overall pick in 2014 averaged 20.1 points on 49 percent shooting from the field and 36.5 percent from deep, to go along with 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a steal per contest for the Bucks, who finished sixth in the East last season.
Meanwhile, Melo put up 22.4 points, 5.9 boards, and 2.9 dimes over the tumultuous 2016-17 campaign. He'll earn $26.2 million this season and can opt out next summer to become an unrestricted free agent.