X

Carmelo Anthony Calls Past Year an 'Emotional Roller Coaster' Amid Trade Rumors

Mike Chiari@mikechiariX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistAugust 2, 2017

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (7) leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday, April 12, 2017, in New York. The Knicks won 114-113. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

During an event in Baltimore on Tuesday related to The Basketball Tournament, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony commented on how the past year has impacted him.

Melo has been the subject of constant trade rumors, and he called the situation "an emotional roller coaster," according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Anthony is in a state of flux, as his no-trade clause allows him to block a move to any team.

Berman reported Monday that Melo has made it clear to the Knicks he only wants to be traded to the Houston Rockets in order to play alongside James Harden and Chris Paul.

That puts New York in a bind, as it must either grant his wish and potentially accept less than market value in return, or leave him on the roster and slow the rebuilding process.

Although the 33-year-old veteran had a strong statistical season in 2016-17, averaging 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game en route to his 10th career All-Star nod, the Knicks struggled as a whole.

They finished a disappointing 31-51 in the midst of a public feud between Melo and team president Phil Jackson, who has since parted ways with the organization.

The Knicks have some promising pieces in place in the form of Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez and Frank Ntilikina, but their playoff chances in 2017-18 appear bleak regardless of whether they keep Anthony in the fold.