Carmelo Anthony trade: Knicks star 'confident he will end up with Houston Rockets'

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has resisted waiving his no-trade clause for nearly a year. But the 10-time All-Star could finally be on the move and he's confident about ending up with the Houston Rockets, according to a new report.

According to ESPN's Ian Begley, Anthony believes he will be suiting up for the Rockets next season. "I'm told Carmelo feels pretty confident that a deal will get done at this point to Houston," said Begley, before adding that the Knicks and Rockets are positive that a deal will get done in the near future.

The report added that since the Knicks are not intrigued in a possible package headlined by Rockets forward Ryan Anderson, a third team would have to be involved. "Any deal that would send Anthony to Houston is a complex one in which a third team is likely needed. It is unclear at this point where talks are, but it doesn’t appear that any deal is imminent. What is clear is that the Anthony trade or buyout -- one of the most important moves in the recent history of the Knicks -- will be (Steve) Mills' deal to make."

Carmelo Anthony to Houston Rockets seems inevitable

The Rockets pulled off a blockbuster trade last month when they acquired former Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul. Prior to February’s NBA Trade Deadline, Charley Rosen, a close acquaintance of former 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. Later reports hinted that Anthony would welcome a trade to either the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers, under the right circumstances.

Paul's move from Clippers to Rockets has given Anthony reason to consider Houston. Anthony and Paul are close friends. The Cleveland Cavaliers remain interested in Anthony but are reportedly hesitant to part with All-Star power forward Kevin Love. For the salaries to match, the Cavs would have to either give up Love or a package of Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson. The Knicks would prefer Love in a potential trade.

Carmelo Anthony has a sum of US$54.2 million (AU$70.9 million) left on the five-year contract he signed with the Knicks ahead of the 2014-15 NBA 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 will likely pick up his Player Option for the 2018-19 season since he is no longer a coveted free agent. A Carmelo Anthony trade to Houston Rockets seems inevitable at this stage. Stay tuned for the latest.