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Things just keep getting weirder and weirder in the Carmelo Anthony saga.
Yes, it was just this morning that Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported that Carmelo would likely decide to not waive his no-trade clause and stay put in New York to be with his family. Melo’s separated wife La La even said as much:
Carmelo's wife said on The Wendy Williams Show (I can't believe I'm typing this either) that his top priority is to play close to their son.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 27, 2017
But now, via ESPN’s Marc Stein, Melo might be trying to get the Knicks to agree to a buyout:
League sources: Carmelo Anthony's camp, while acknowledging Melo's preference to stay in NYC, has tried to engage the Knicks in buyout talks
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
But league sources say that the Knicks have thus far resisted the idea of a Melo buyout that would clear the way for him to join the Cavs
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
How long will the Knicks maintain their unwillingness to buy Melo out when he can block any trade? One of the summer's hottest questions ...
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 27, 2017
As Stein said, this would presumably clear the way for Melo to join LeBron James and his merry band of Warrior-chasers. With a buyout, Melo would secure all or most of his $54-plus million in owed money from the Knicks, which would make it a lot easier to accept a lesser deal with the Cavs.
This will be an interesting situation for sure, although it most likely won’t reach its conclusion until most of the big free agent dominos fall next month.
Please stay civil in the comments!