Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of lingering trade rumors throughout the NBA offseason, but he’s probably not going anywhere.
At least yet.
According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, New York Knicks president Steve Mills said he expects the 14-year veteran to attend media day next week Monday and open training camp Tuesday with the team.
Recently, a report emerged that Anthony’s side was optimistic a deal would be struck before Monday. And over the last few months, it has become clear he’s set on the Houston Rockets to join All-Star guards James Harden and Chris Paul, who left the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason.
However, that door will only remain cracked unless New York is willing to accept Ryan Anderson and not much else. Houston would benefit from having Carmelo as a spot-up shooter, but the roster as currently constructed is considerably improved and forcing a trade isn’t wise.
And New York, despite the certain hysteria on media day, has little reason to trade Anthony for a lesser return simply to avoid criticism. That’s coming one way or another; the Knicks need to focus on winning.
Mills’ statement doesn’t mean Anthony is staying with New York for the duration of his contract or even just this season. Trade rumors will continue to surface now and again, especially in the likelihood the Knicks struggle in 2017-18 and once the deadline approaches.
But for right now, nothing has changed: Carmelo is a member of the Knicks.