The Carmelo Anthony trade drama continues as the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers are still discussing. Both teams seemed to agree on some terms where the Clippers could acquire Carmelo Anthony, but there some issues that they need to look on top.
The CBS Sports said in their report that even both the Knicks and the Clippers could agree to trade players, it may seem to be a long shot for the both of them. The Clipperrs is reportedly willing to send the veteran sixth-man Jamal Crawford, the progressing Austin Rivers and the reliable marksman J.J. Redick.
Reports show that the Knicks are unwilling to absorb the $42 million contract of Jamal Crawford, leading the deal to look for another team that could proceed via three-way-trade. On the other hand, the Clippers are also getting hesitant to release J.J. Redick since he is one of the best contributors to their team.
The biggest hindrance of all is the fact that the LA Clippers are currently in the hard-cap room. The Clippers could not possibly acquire Anthony since a $10 million will be added to his salary if dealt, which is a term that is included in his contract this year.
According to the NBA.com, the Clippers need to open up a $27 million on their budget for them to acquire Carmelo Anthony via trade. Even if Carmelo Anthony waived his no-trade-clause, the Clippers' only option is to release some of their best role players.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are still intact to their plan of releasing Carmelo Anthony as soon as possible. With Phil Jackson's rampant comment about Melo, it is obvious that the Knicks will move forward to a new page without Carmelo Anthony on their roster in the next couple of seasons.
Recently, Carmelo Anthony expressed what he felt about the trade talks surrounding him. Anthony said that though he tries to ignore, the issue still knocks on his ears from somebody's mouth, making it mentally draining to him.
As of today, the only thing we could see is the fact that the Knicks are still struggling to climb up the ladder. Several thinks that Carmelo Anthony would still be a part of the Knicks after February 23rd.
