New York Knicks: Designing an ideal Carmelo Anthony trade to Cleveland

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony previously expressed interest in joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. If interest returns, how could that happen?

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony reportedly has just one team he’s willing to play for in 2017-18: the Houston Rockets. As New York struggles to piece together a mutually beneficial trade, however, it may ultimately refrain from dealing Anthony to Houston.

If that were to transpire, it stands to reason that Anthony could reopen his list of preferred destinations and include a former team of interest: the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Before the Rockets madness began, the Cavaliers were at the top of Anthony’s list of preferred destinations. The possibility of playing with Kyrie Irving and LeBron James was undeniably intriguing, both on championship and friendship levels.

Irving’s recent trade request complicates the matter, but it stands to reason that the Knicks could send Anthony to the Cavaliers if he realizes it’s his best way out of New York.

In the event that Anthony is willing to waive his no-trade clause for the Cavaliers, one can’t help but ponder what that could entail for New York. Kevin Love is a polarizing option, and Irving would be a dream acquisition, but what would be realistic?

In order to answer that question, let’s break down every element of what the New York Knicks could potentially get by trading Carmelo Anthony to the Cleveland Cavaliers.