It’s been reported that Carmelo Anthony waiving his no-trade clause to join the Los Angeles Clippers is a possibility, but is there any chance that the Clippers would want to trade for him?
While Carmelo Anthony joining the Los Angeles Clippers’ starting lineup has a few unrealistic benefits, primarily for the fact there would be copious amounts of offensive firepower in the starting five, the idea of acquiring him via trade isn’t appealing at all. Seeing as it would require the loss of a star to bring him onboard, there’s absolutely no way to make a reasonable argument to send away Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan away for Melo.
On top of that, Melo has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning there’s no way the New York Knicks can trade him anywhere if the deal doesn’t get his approval. This is just another finite reason as to why it’s hard to see the Knicks trading him as he continues to mentor Kristaps Porzingis‘ early days in the NBA, but Melo’s name still appears in trade rumors and theories.
The idea of him going to L.A. is a theory that’s appeared online for some time, with the Clippers possibly being favored over the Lakers as Melo’s not getting any younger as he approaches his 32nd birthday and the Clips have a far better chance to contend.
Marc Berman of the New York Post has just discussed the idea of Melo heading to L.A., saying that if there is one team that he’d waive his no-trade clause to join, it’s the Clippers:
"Over All-Star Weekend last month, Carmelo Anthony was asked if there was a team for which he would waive his no-trade clause. Anthony paused, smiled and said he had better not answer that question.If there indeed is one team, the Clippers are it. He owns a place in Los Angeles, where his wife, La La, spends a lot of time. The Clippers are a perennial playoff team and feature one of his best friends in point guard Chris Paul. And most importantly, the franchise has a legitimate potential trade chip in Blake Griffin, even if coach Doc Rivers declared recently he would not trade the younger balletic forward.“My name is always associated with L.A., whether it was earlier with the Lakers, now it’s the Clippers,’’ Anthony said late Wednesday in Phoenix. “I try not to pay attention to that. I laugh it off. People always try to make scenarios and situations. But nothing’s happened.’’"
It’s interesting Berman states that the Clippers are the one team that Melo could want to join with a trade, but it’s equally noteworthy and completely unsurprising that the Knicks’ All-Star said that he laughs off the ideas and nothing has happened. Melo has expressed his loyalty to persisting with the Knicks and he’s still under contract for three more seasons, not to mention his budding relationship with Porzingis (who continues to show great potential) is another new reason as to why he’d like to stay put.
That being said, as the Knicks sit at 27-39 at 13th in the Eastern Conference and still have a lot resting on free agency (they’re in real need of a new point guard and their bench could use some improvement, too), it would be no means be unjustified if Melo wants to take his talents elsewhere.
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On one hand, this idea makes some sense. Melo is close to Paul, he could join a far more dangerous contender and moving to L.A. would make perfect sense for personal reasons. However, from the Clippers’ standpoint, this trade idea is quite ridiculous.
Griffin is in the prime of his career, he’s five years younger than Melo at just 26 years of age, and quite frankly has far more to offer. From his vastly improved range, overall scoring ability, elite passing and rebounding, he brings far more than another high-volume shooter like Melo, who’s currently shooting just 43.2 percent from the floor. To trade the two would give the Knicks an excellent frontcourt, but would leave the Clippers with the latter years of Melo’s career to downgrade their roster.
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It may be a theory that continues to exist and there are reasons Carmelo Anthony may want to waive his no-trade clause to make it happen. The major problem to prevent it happening is that the Clippers are rightfully loyal to everything Blake Griffin has to offer, and a trade for them is neither beneficial or likely.