Carmelo Anthony buyout: Cavaliers the leading contenders to sign Knicks star

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Carmelo Anthony, who could potentially secure a buyout from the New York Knicks this offseason. The Knicks, under president Phil Jackson, are determined to hit the reset button and build around a battery of young talent led by Kristaps Porzingis.

The Knicks first explored the possibility of a Carmelo Anthony trade during February's deadline. Since Anthony owns a no-trade clause in his contract, the Knicks would have to convince the superstar to agree to a deal.

In February, Charley Rosen, a close ally of Phil Jackson, revealed that Anthony would waive his no-trade clause only for a move to either the Cavaliers or the Los Angeles Clippers. However, later reports suggested Anthony would welcome a trade to either the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers, under the right circumstances.

Jackson has publicly requested Anthony to waive his no-trade clause. However, the 10-time All-Star has repeatedly insisted his desire to stay in the Big Apple. According to ESPN, "(the Cavs) will be leading contenders for Carmelo Anthony should Anthony secure an offseason buyout from the New York Knicks."

Carmelo Anthony contract: Two years to go...

Anthony has US$54.2 million (AU$70.9 million) left on the five-year max contract he signed with the New York Knicks ahead of the 2014-15 season. He is owed US$26.2 million (AU$34.4 million) for the 2017-18 season followed by a pay day of US$27.9 million (AU$36.7 million) for the 2018-19 season. Anthony is expected to pick up the Player Option for the 2018-19 season.

At this stage, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that Anthony would be playing for another team next season. The Knicks front office reportedly went out of its way to plant stories about a Carmelo Anthony trade, in an effort to push the star out of New York. After the Knicks missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, Anthony expressed his frustration in the exit interview.

“I’ve come to grips with that (I am gone from New York). I had times to think about that over how many weeks it’s been, trying to utilise time to clear my mind and be at peace with it -- our situation. I think about it all. I think about here. I think about it. The postseason. My teammates. I think about everything. At the end of the day, it’s on me," Anthony said, hoping to end his career on a positive note.

Carmelo Anthony, 32, is already past his prime, but could prove to be a potent threat for a playoff-bound team, especially the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are expected to reach the NBA Finals for a four consecutive time next June. Anthony and LeBron James are reportedly close friends off the court.