NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony To Cavaliers Only If LeBron James Stays
With the Oklahoma City experiment clearly a fail when Carmelo Anthony is mentioned, it’s time he begins a search elsewhere. But where will Anthony end up? At one point, he was the subject of many trade rumors while still tied to the New York Knicks just before being moved to the Thunder. There were reports of him going to San Antonio, Cleveland, Lakers, Houston and more. But after a disappointing season, will the same teams be waiting with open arms? There’s still a chance he can end up with the Cavaliers. But that’s all depending on how LeBron James finishes this playoff run.
The NBA could very well get a LeBron and Carmelo pairing. But only if LeBron wants it.
Last season, this seemed like a match made in heaven that the two friends could join forces. But will LeBron still feel the same after watching Anthony stink it up in the playoffs for the Thunder? There was no reason the Thunder with Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony should have fallen to the Utah Jazz. No way. But there was Carmelo, averaging just 11.8 points per game while shooting just 37 percent from the floor in six games. That performance is what may have led to the rumors that the Thunder are trying to rid themselves of Carmelo Anthony and shift their offseason focus on George.
What also will make this an intriguing signing is that Carmelo still believes he’s a starter and may want to be paid like a superstar. In 2017, Anthony made $26 million but he will not take home that amount if he wishes to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Cavs have gone through a sort of a youth movement to try to appease James, adding another large salary like Anthony’s will put the Cavs in a tight spot as they were before the NBA Trade Deadline.
Does Carmelo Anthony Have Anything Left To Give the Cavaliers?
For the season, Carmelo averaged 16.2 points, the lowest of his career. But that was expected with his reduced role on the Thunder. But will Melo suffer from the same issues with the Cavaliers? That’s a tough question. And it all depends on if the Cavs can find a point guard and what will they do with Kevin Love? Melo has never been a top defender in the NBA. But that is one area the Cavs are lacking. Why would they want to pay Carmelo a ton of money to shoot 40 percent when they can continue to take their chances with Jeff Green and Larry Nance Jr.?
But once again, if LeBron wants Carmelo there, then by the start of the 2018 season, his friend will be in Cleveland. Maybe LeBron could be the fire to spark vintage Carmelo. Despite his off-year in 2017, Anthony still averages 24 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the floor for his career.
Melo doesn’t want to be a reserve. And unless he wants to play for the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns or Orlando Magic, the Cavs are his only choice if he wishes to be a starter for a top team. And, that’s still contingent on if LeBron is there to save his career.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
