Carmelo Anthony on move to Clippers or Lakers this summer: 'I think about it a lot'

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks could be headed for a long overdue breakup this offseason, seeing as the superstar forward is already envisaging life in Los Angeles. Prior to last month's NBA trade deadline, Anthony had reportedly considered waiving his no-trade clause for a move to the Clippers. However, the Knicks and Clippers couldn't come to terms on a suitable trade.

“Nah, don’t start,’’ the 10-time All-Star quipped when asked if he views Los Angeles as his future workplace, via the New York Post, before speaking candidly about a move to either the Clippers or Lakers this summer.

The former No. 3 overall pick revealed that he would already be in LA if the Knicks front office could pull off a trade. "There was an opportunity during the (trade) deadline. There was always talking the last couple of seasons being connected to Clippers or Lakers. Somehow, (we have) always been connected. First it was the Lakers. Now it’s the Clippers situation. I try not to think about it — especially now when I’m still playing with the New York Knicks and got to prepare to play against these guys."

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. Prior to last month's NBA trade deadline, Charley Rosen, a close ally of Knicks president Phil Jackson, revealed that Anthony would waive his no-trade clause only for a move to either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Clippers. However, later reports suggested that Anthony would be open to a trade to either the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers, under the right circumstances.

Carmelo Anthony trade matter of when, not if

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 the Big Apple. The Knicks are admittedly trying to hit the reset button and hand the keys to rising superstar Kristaps Porzingis. By trading Anthony, they'd set that plan in motion.

With the Knicks set to miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, Anthony is admittedly concerned about his future in the Big Apple. “I’ve come to grips with that. 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, hinting that he needs to move to a new situation to end his career on a high note.

Carmelo Anthony, 32, is already past his prime, but could prove to be a potent threat for a playoff-bound team. For most teams, Anthony's enormous contract poses the biggest problem, not to mention his all-time low trade value. Though the Knicks don't expect a lot in return for the ageing star, the team that trades for Anthony would be forced to let go off players to make room for him. It's a conundrum for all parties involved.