Carmelo Anthony Trade: Thunder have emerged as unlikely destination

The Oklahoma City Thunder has emerged as a favourable destination for disgruntled New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause ahead of the new NBA season. Previously, Anthony had listed the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers as his preferred teams.

However, Bill Simmons of The Ringer reported Sunday that there is mutual interest between Anthony and the Thunder. "Have a scoop -- OKC and Carmelo are officially circling each other. OKC's Troy Weaver recruited Melo to Cuse (Syracuse) -- has known him since DMV days," Simmons tweeted.

Weaver serves as Vice President & Assistant General Manager for the Thunder. Weaver, during his stint as assistant coach, recruited Anthony to the college program in Syracuse. Anthony led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship before entering the NBA. Weaver has been an assistant GM with the Thunder since the 2010-11 season.

Could Thunder form Big 3 of Anthony, Westbrook, George?

In the wake of acquiring superstar Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder are already viewed as a legitimate threat to challenge the Houston Rocket and/or San Antonio Spurs for the second and third seeds in the taxing Western Conference. While a trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony is unlikely to rattle the mighty Golden State Warriors, it could potentially secure the No. 2 seed out West.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported Monday that while one source "doubts Anthony would play for the Thunder," the 10-time All-Star is open to the idea of discussing the possibility. Several reports indicate that Anthony has his sights set on joining Chris Paul and James Harden in a Houston Rockets uniform.

The new Knicks front office, led by Scott Perry, is seeking a haul of young players and draft picks instead of veteran players. This is the primary reason the Rockets and Knicks haven't come to terms on a Carmelo Anthony trade. While the Rockets are offering the remaining three years of Ryan Anderson's US$80 million (AU$100 million) contract, the Knicks have no intention to take up multi-year contracts.

Carmelo Anthony, 33, has a sum of US$54.2 million (AU$70.9 million) left on the five-year max deal he signed with New York ahead of the 2014-15 season. He is owed US$26.2 million (AU$34.4 million) for the 2017-18 season followed by US$27.9 million (AU$36.7 million) for the 2018-19 season. A Carmelo Anthony trade seems inevitable at this stage. Anthony is unlikely to suit up for the Knicks next season.