Carmelo Anthony buyout: Knicks not willing to give into Knicks star's request

Carmelo Anthony's camp is trying to engage the New York Knicks on a potential buyout. However, the Knicks, led by president Phil Jackson, haven't shown any inclination to give into Anthony's request.

Anthony has US$54.2 million (AU$70.9 million) left on the five-year max contract he signed with the New York Knicks ahead of the 2014-15 season. He is owed US$26.2 million (AU$34.4 million) for the 2017-18 season followed by a pay day of US$27.9 million (AU$36.7 million) for the 2018-19 season. Anthony is expected to pick up the Player Option for the 2018-19 season.

ESPN's Mark Stein tweeted Tuesday that "Carmelo Anthony's camp, while acknowledging Melo's preference to stay in NYC, has tried to engage the Knicks in buyout talks."

Since Anthony has a no-trade clause, the Knicks can't trade him without consent. Jackson has publicly appealed to the 10-time All-Star to waive his no-trade clause. However, Anthony has repeatedly maintained his desire to stay near the Big Apple. Anthony's wife, La La, recently said her husband wishes to stay near their children.

Carmelo Anthony trade: Knicks prefer a trade instead of a buyout

The Knicks first explored the possibility of a Carmelo Anthony trade during February's deadline. In February, Charley Rosen, a close ally of Jackson, revealed that Anthony would waive his no-trade clause only for a move to either the Los Angeles Clippers or Cleveland Cavaliers. However, later reports revealed Anthony would welcome a trade to either the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics, under the right circumstances.

According to Stein, the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Anthony in free agency if the Knicks agree to a buyout. However, all signs point to the Knicks forcing Anthony's hand to waive the no-trade clause. It's hard to foresee a team giving up significant assets to take Anthony's enormous contract, not to mention his declining production and star value.

At this stage, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that Anthony would be playing for another team next season. The Knicks front office reportedly went out of its way to plant stories about a Carmelo Anthony trade, in an effort to push the star out of New York. After the Knicks missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season, Anthony expressed his frustration in the exit interview.

“I’ve come to grips with that (I am gone from New York). I had times to think about that over how many weeks it’s been, trying to utilise time to clear my mind and be at peace with it -- our situation. I think about it all. I think about here. I think about it. The postseason. My teammates. I think about everything. At the end of the day, it’s on me," Anthony said, hoping to end his career on a positive note.

Carmelo Anthony, 32, is already past his prime, but could prove to be a potent threat for a playoff-bound team, especially the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are expected to reach the NBA Finals for a four consecutive time next June. Anthony and LeBron James are reportedly close friends off the court.