The Carmelo Anthony trade rumors are heating up, and now it’s being reported that LeBron James really wants the Cavaliers to make a move.
Update - Feb. 6, 11 PM EST
LeBron went on to call this report “trash” following the Cavaliers’ win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. I think it’s safe to say that Kevin Love isn’t going anywhere.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported a new wrinkle to the Cavaliers-Knicks rumors and said how James wants Cleveland to do anything possible to acquire Anthony — “even if that means trading Kevin Love.” In order for this deal to work, not only would Melo have to agree to it, but so would Cavaliers’ management.
Cleveland’s front office initially wanted to work out a package for Anthony that didn’t include Love, and you can’t blame them. It’s no secret that Love is playing better than Melo currently, and the 6-10 sharpshooter is averaging about 20 points and 11.1 rebounds a night while shooting 38 percent from three. Although Anthony is scoring more (22.9) and is a touch more efficient (43.3 percent shooting overall), his other numbers are down across the board.
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The idea of Anthony going to Cleveland was spurred by James’ wanting of another playmaker alongside him and Kyrie Irving. Before that, the Cavs made a trade for Kyle Korver, but he’s a complementary piece to LeBron and isn’t someone who can create for others when the Big Three are off the floor.
A third aspect that must be considered is money — and Melo is owed a lot of it. He’s set to make upwards of $26 million next year, while Love is a couple million less at $22.6. Either way, it’s unlikely a deal gets done without a third team or a few other players getting thrown into the mix.
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