2017 NBA draft and trade rumors


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Thomas
Bryant
Round 2, Pick 42
Drafted by: Utah Jazz
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'10" / 248 lbs
School/Club: Indiana
Status: Sophomore
Birthday: July 31, 1997
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Los Angeles Lakers



About Thomas Bryant

Bryant knew he wasn’t ready for the NBA after his productive freshman season, so he returned to Indiana and went to work. His grasp of basic fundamentals and how to utilize his particular gifts and skill set improved dramatically as a sophomore, and despite being just 19, he also developed into a team leader. Bryant also turned himself into a very good perimeter shooter with range to the college 3-point line. Working hard to reach goals won’t be a problem for Bryant at the next level.

Strengths

  • NBA body
  • 7-foot-6 wingspan
  • Works offensive boards
  • Motor
  • Has developed face-up game with range
Weaknesses

  • Not an explosive athlete
  • Needs to take better defensive advantage of his length
  • Footwork in the post needs improvement
NBA projection: Bryant entered the Draft without hiring an agent. He’s projected as a second-round pick but has the option of returning to school.

2016-17 Season
Bryant was a third-team All-Big Ten pick by the media and the league’s coaches after leading the Hoosiers in rebounding and blocked shots and finishing third in scoring. He put together some outstanding performances, including 31 points and 11 rebounds against Penn State, 23 points against Purdue’s massive front line, and 23 points and 12 boards against Northwestern.

Key statistics: 12.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.5 apg, 2.3 tpg, 1.5 bpg, 28.1 mpg, .519 FG, .383 3PT, .730 FT

Career Highlights: A two-time third-team All-Big Ten selection who holds the IU career-record for field goal percentage at 59.2 percent. A Preseason All-American as a sophomore by Blue Ribbon Magazine and NBCSports.com. The Big Ten’s leader in field goal percentage as a freshman (68.3). Played in the 2015 Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald's All-American game as a high school senior. Participated in the 2013 USA Basketball Developmental National Team minicamp for 48 of the nation’s top high school players.
 
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Lauri
Markkanen
Round 1, Pick 7
Drafted by: Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: PF
Height/Weight: 7'0" / 230 lbs
School/Club: Arizona
Status: Freshman
Birthday: May 22, 1997
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Chicago Bulls



About Lauri Markkanen

Markkanen was one of the best shooting big men in college basketball—maybe the best—and that didn’t happen by accident. He became hooked on the game at a young age, so much so that his parents had to limit the amount of practice time he put in on a daily basis. Still, from the time he was 10 or 11, Markkanen spent four and a half hours a day—minimum—on his shooting. He remained dedicated to the game after he got to Arizona, focusing on improving against top competition and helping his team win. The Wildcats were considered by many to be a favorite to advance to the NCAA tournament’s Final Four, and though their journey ended with an upset loss to Xavier in the Sweet 16, Markkanen did all he could, averaging 15 points and 8.3 rebounds in three tournament games.

Strengths

  • Versatility -- can play the four or five spots
  • Mobility
  • Great face-up shooter with deep range
  • Can score in the post
  • Can score off the bounce
  • Good defensive instincts
  • Good free-throw shooter
Weaknesses

  • Still has improvements to make defensively
  • Not a great shot blocker
  • Can become more effective scoring in the low post
  • Could improve as a passer
NBA projection: Markkanen will be a lottery pick.

2016-17 Season
Markkanen made a big impact in his only season of college basketball, earning consensus third-team All-America honors and being chosen first-team All-Pac-12 and to the league’s all freshman team. He was second on his team in scoring and tops in rebounding and free throw percentage. He also led the Pac-12 in that latter category. Markkanen was just the sixth freshman in NCAA Division I since 1992 to rack up at least 500 points, 250 boards and 50 3-pointers in a season.

Key statistics: 15.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 30.8 mpg, .492 FG, .423 3PT, .835 FT

Career Highlights: This past season, became the sixth Division I freshman since 1992 to finish a season with at least 500 points, 250 rebounds and 50 made three-pointers. Selected Third-Team All-American and Pac-12 All-Conference First Team. Finished in the top five in school freshmen history in each of the following categories: scoring; rebounding; three-point field goals made; free throws made; and free throw percentage
 
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Zach
Collins
Round 1, Pick 10
Drafted by: Sacramento Kings
Position: C
Height/Weight: 7'0" / 230 lbs
School/Club: Gonzaga
Status: Freshman
Birthday: November 19, 1997
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Portland Trail Blazers



About Zach Collins

Zach Collins was one of the most unique players in Gonzaga’s proud history, for a couple of reasons. He was the first McDonald’s All-America to sign with the Bulldogs, who battled several Pac-12 schools for his services. And he’s also the first one-and-done player at the school, leaving without ever having started a game. Gonzaga coach Mark Few wasn’t certain he’d landed a one-and-done player after Collins signed. Like always, he was just trying to get the best player he could. Collins didn’t disappoint.

  • Feature: Gonzaga's Zach Collins quickly shapes up as NBA prospect
Strengths

  • Advanced post game
  • Good face-up game from midrange and out to 3-point line
  • Pick and pop threat
  • Mobile
  • Competitor
  • Good rim protector
  • Willing to mix it up on defense
Weaknesses

  • Needs to become a better passer
  • Has to learn to stay out of foul trouble
  • Still learning to control competitive fire
NBA projection: Collins has been projected as a lottery pick.

2016-17 Season
Though he played just 17.3 minutes a game because of Gonzaga’s impressive frontcourt depth, Collins performed well enough to earn second-team All-WCC honors, and he was also chosen to the league’s All-Freshman team. He blocked 69 shots, just one short of Austin Daye’s single-season school record and he produced the third best field-goal percentage in program history. In scoring a career-high 21 points against South Dakota, he didn’t miss a shot (9 of 9) from the field. Collins gave NBA scouts an eyeful in the NCAA tournament semifinals, racking up 14 points, 13 boards and six blocks against South Carolina.

Key statistics: 10.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.5 tpg, 1.8 bpg, 17.2 mpg, .652 FG, .476 3PT, .743 FT
 
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Justin
Jackson
Round 1, Pick 15
Drafted by: Portland Trail Blazers
Position: SF
Height/Weight: 6'8" / 210 lbs
School/Club: North Carolina
Status: Junior
Birthday: March 28, 1995
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Sacramento Kings



About Justin Jackson

After shooting just .297 from 3 in his first two seasons at North Carolina, Jackson had a clear understanding of what he needed to do in order to expand his game. So he spent hours in the gym during the offseason, refining his stroke. The results were impressive and helped turned Jackson into a player who could leave college with eligibility remaining and become a lottery pick. He still had some inconsistent shooting games in his final season (witness his 0 for 9 effort from 3 in the national championship game against Gonzaga), but for the most part, Jackson’s improved accuracy from behind the arc made him into an almost unstoppable offensive player. How did opposing teams defend him because they suddenly had to respect his 3 ball? Answer: Not very well. Because Jackson already had many other ways to score.

Strengths

  • Great size for NBA wing player
  • Scores in the midrange
  • Crafty scorer in the paint
  • Great in transition
  • Good in the pick and roll
  • Much-improved jump shooter with range
  • Good passer
  • Moves without the ball
Weaknesses

  • Has to get bigger and stronger
  • Could be a better rebounder
  • Should get to the free-throw line more often
NBA projection: Jackson could be chosen as high as the lottery. Having played three years in college and clearly demonstrating that his major weakness (3-point shooting) had been shored up, Jackson could offer immediate help to whatever team takes him.

2016-17 Season
The play of Jackson was vital in North Carolina’s run to the 2017 national championship. Jackson led the Tar Heels in scoring and averaged the most points by a UNC player since Tyler Hansbrough (20.7) in 2009. He also racked up the most 20-point games (19) since Hansbrough notched 21 in 2009. Jackson wound up a consensus first-team All-America, was ACC Player of the Year and first-team all-conference, and in the postseason, he was chosen to the NCAA South Regional and All-Final Four teams. He’s one of only three Tar Heels in history to win ACC Player of the Year and a national championship in the same season (Lennie Rosenbluth, 1957; Ty Lawson, 2009).

Key statistics: 18.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.7 tpg, 1.0 spg, 32.0 mpg, .443 FG, .370 3PT, .746 FT

Career Highlights: One of three Tar Heels to win the ACC Player of the Year Award and lead UNC to a national championship in the same season. Talied 239 career points in NCAA Tournament play, second most by a Tar Heel ever. Joined Rick Fox as the only Heels with 1,600 career points, 150 threes, 400 boards and 300 assists.
 
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Justin
Patton
Round 1, Pick 16
Drafted by: Chicago Bulls
Position: C
Height/Weight: 7'0" / 230 lbs
School/Club: Creighton
Status: Freshman
Birthday: June 14, 1997
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves



About Justin Patton

From June 2015, when Creighton coach Greg McDermott gave Patton the first scholarship offer he had received, and Patton quickly accepted, through a redshirt year, then early in his redshirt freshman season, Patton’s rise, said McDermott, was as fast as anyone he’d seen, including his own son Doug, the No. 11 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Little wonder. Patton’s story is rare, but familiar—a player who started out playing in the backcourt until a growth spurt dictated he moved to the frontcourt, where his perimeter skills gave him a distinct advantage. Capable of putting the ball on the floor, scoring from the perimeter or finishing at the rim, Patton is a multi-skilled big man who’s just scratching the surface of his potential.

Strengths

  • Length
  • Mobile
  • Good ball skills
  • Can score off the bounce
  • Effective finisher
  • Capable of making face-up jumpers out past the 3-point line
  • Solid passer
  • Good shot blocker
Weaknesses

  • Has to get bigger and stronger
  • Will need time to continue to learn and develop
  • Free-throw shooting needs work
NBA projection: Most Draft analysts think Patton will be chosen among the top 20 picks in the first round, but some believe he can slip into the lottery.

2016-17 Season
After redshirting in 2015-16, Patton was ready to roll this season. He was Creighton’s second-leading scorer and led the team in rebounding and blocked shots. Patton was chosen the Big East Freshman of the Year, and was also voted second-team All-Big East and to the league’s All-Freshman team after helping leading the Bluejays to a 25-9 record, a run to the Big East tournament finals and a trip to the NCAA tournament.

Key statistics: 12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.7 tpg, 1.4 bpg, 25.3 mpg, .676 FG, .533 3PT, .517 FT

Career Highlights: Had the highest field goal percentage of any freshman from a major conference in NCAA history. One of 10 candidates for the 2017 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award, and one of 12 finalists for the Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award.
 
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Harry
Giles
Round 1, Pick 20
Drafted by: Portland Trail Blazers
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'10" / 240 lbs
School/Club: Duke
Status: Freshman
Birthday: April 28, 1998
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Sacramento Kings



About Harry Giles

It’s safe to say Harry Giles hasn’t been able to catch a break. Or at least, his knees haven’t been able to catch a break. In 2013, a player who had been on the national radar for several years tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his left knee. Giles fought through that serious mishap and seemed back to his old self in the summer of 2015—mobile, explosive, high motor, relentless rebounder. Then in November of that year, he tore the ACL in his right knee. Once again, Giles went to work rehabbing, and he became the consensus No. 1 player in the high school class of 2016. But after signing with Duke and undergoing yet another knee surgery, then missing the first 11 games of his freshman season, Giles never got to properly showcase his great skills. Perhaps another season in college might have benefitted Giles, so he could prove to scouts that three knee surgeries hadn’t sapped his explosiveness. But he chose to enter the 2017 NBA Draft, which makes him a tough call. Some teams will remember the effortless way he used to play the game. Others will be scared off by the history of knee issues. But Giles was ready to test himself again. “Playing in the NBA has been my goal for as long as I can remember,” Giles said.

  • Feature: Giles hopes knee issues are in the past
Strengths

  • 7-foot-3 wingspan
  • Athletic ability (if healthy)
  • Motor
  • Can score at the rim
  • Effective scoring off pick-and-rolls
  • Can get out in transition
  • Shot blocker
Weaknesses

  • How much has knee trouble affected his game?
  • Free-throw shooting
  • Still learning how to let the game come to him
  • Has to get bigger and stronger
NBA projection: Giles has been projected a late first-round pick.

2016-17 Season
Giles never got a chance to shine in his lone season at Duke. Recovering from yet another knee surgery, he missed the first 11 games, and it took a while for him to get his bearings. He wound up playing limited minutes and giving only scant glimpses of the player who was rated by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2016. Giles squeezed in a few highlights, like his lone double-double of the year—10 points and 12 boards against Georgia Tech—and his season-high of 12 points against Boston College.

Key statistics: 3.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 11.5 mpg, .577 FG, .500 FT

Career Highlights: One of just seven freshman in the country to be named to the 2017 John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 list. Before arriving at Duke, ranked as the consensus No. 1 overall by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index. Owns three gold medals as a member of the USA Basketball program.
 
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Kyle
Kuzma
Round 1, Pick 27
Drafted by: Brooklyn Nets
Position: PF
Height/Weight: 6'9" / 221 lbs
School/Club: Utah
Status: Junior
Birthday: July 24, 1995
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Los Angeles Lakers



About Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma comes from a long line of Flint, Mich. natives who went on to star in college basketball, but he wasn’t an instant star, like for example, Michigan State’s Miles Bridges was. He had to work at it, in the classroom and on the court. There were times during his career, when Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak was hammering him for defensive lapses or some other transgression, that Kuzma considered transferring, but he hung in there and became a first-team All-Pac-12 player. Kuzma has developed the reputation of a gamer, a competitor who plays hurt—he was hampered by an ankle injury much of the 2016-17 season—and studies the game, looking for every angle to improve, and gain an edge.

Strengths

  • Mobility
  • Capable of playing either forward spot
  • Above average length
  • Vastly improved as a defender
  • Can score in the post, off the bounce or facing up
  • Good passer
  • Competes on the boards
Weaknesses

  • Has to become a more consistent perimeter threat
  • Decision-making can be shored up
  • Not an explosive leaper
NBA projection: Kuzma has been projected as a second-round pick.

2016-17 Season
Despite being plagued by an ankle injury, Kuzma earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and honorable mention Pac-12 defensive team honors after finishing fifth in the conference in scoring and fourth in rebounding. He led the Utes in both statistics, but displayed other skills as well, including passing. In a win over Montana State, Kuzma was one assist shy of a triple double after also racking up 16 points and 15 boards. Kuzma helped lead the Utes to a 20-11 record (11-7 in the Pac-12) and a spot in the NIT.

Key statistics: 16.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.1 tpg, 30.8 mpg, .504 FG, .321 3PT, .669 FT

Career Highlights: Earned both all-conference and all-defensive team honors as a junior. Ranked 39th in the nation in rebounding (9.3) and 26th in double-doubles (15). Selected All-Pac-12 First Team.
 
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Tony
Bradley
Round 1, Pick 28
Drafted by: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'11" / 249 lbs
School/Club: North Carolina
Status: Freshman
Birthday: January 8, 1998
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Utah Jazz



About Tony Bradley

Bradley pondered his Draft decision until the final day, finally opting to stay in and take his chances on whether he’ll become a first-round pick. But even if he doesn’t, Bradley figures to find his way onto an NBA roster. His length and aggressiveness on the offensive glass are Bradley’s calling cards, but he’s schooled in the fundamentals and loves to compete. The package is nowhere near complete, because he’ll have to develop some scoring moves in the post and continue to refine his face-up jumper, but Bradley has some tools the NBA can put to good use.

Strengths

  • Length (7-5 wingspan)
  • Active offensive rebounder
  • Rim protector
  • Solid lower-body base
  • Good low-post finisher
  • Tough
  • Good fundamentals
Weaknesses

  • Has to keep developing his post game
  • Not an explosive athlete
  • Needs to become a better free-throw shooter
NBA projection: Bradley heard enough positive feedback from the NBA that he would have a chance to be chosen in the first round, so that was enough for him to decide to remain in the Draft and sign with an agent.

2016-17 Season
Playing on a team that was deep in the frontcourt, Bradley’s minutes were limited, but he nevertheless managed to make an impact. He scored in double figures 13 times, three times in Atlantic Coast Conference games, led the Tar Heels in rebounding five times and was their defensive player of the game five times. North Carolina prided itself on its offensive rebounding, and Bradley excelled in that area (see below). One of his double-figure scoring games came in the NCAA tournament (12 points in the first round against Texas Southern), as he helped the Heels on their run to the 2017 national championship.

Key statistics: 7.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 14.6 mpg, .573 FG, .619 FT

Career Highlights: Playing a reserve role, helped North Carolina capture a national championship in 2017. Third on the team in both rebounding and blocked shots. Became the first Tar Heel to score in double-figures in his first six college games since Brandan Wright in 2006-07. Selected both as a McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All-American as a high school senior.
 
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Josh
Hart
Round 1, Pick 30
Drafted by: Utah Jazz
Position: SG
Height/Weight: 6'5" / 215 lbs
School/Club: Villanova
Status: Senior
Birthday: March 6, 1995
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Los Angeles Lakers



About Josh Hart

To be eligible for the Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School), a player must be a senior and have achieved excellence in four areas: academics, community, character and competition. Hart checks off all those boxes and more, making him an easy pick for the prestigious honor in 2017. “He is one of the most complete players in Villanova history—among our leaders in scoring, rebounding, steals and assists,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said. “Off the court he is an Eagle Scout, a respected, active member of our community and of the student body and is set to graduate on time in May. He is a proud example of a student-athlete at Villanova."

Strengths

  • Crafty scorer at the rim
  • Improved 3-point shooter
  • Excellent rebounder
  • Rugged defender
  • Good passer
  • Strength
  • Winner
Weaknesses

  • Not a super explosive athlete
  • Doesn’t have prototypical NBA two-guard size
  • Needs to develop more consistent pull-up game
NBA projection: Hart has been projected as a second-round Draft pick.

2016-17 Season
Hart put together the kind of season that everyone expected when he decided to return to Villanova instead of declare for the NBA Draft. Where to start? How about with the Julius Erving Award, given to the nation’s top small forward? Hart also won the Senior CLASS Award and was chosen a unanimous first-team All-American, the Big East Player of the Year and co-Defensive Player of the Year, and the Most Outstanding Player in the Big East tournament while leading the defending national champion Wildcats back to the NCAA tournament, where they were upset by Wisconsin in the round of 32. He led Villanova in scoring, rebounding and 3-point percentage and was second in assists and steals.

Key statistics: 18.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.9 tpg, 1.5 spg, 33.2 mpg, .510 FG, .400 3PT, .740 FT

Career Highlights: Part of Villanova’s 2016 national championship team. Winner of the 2017 Julius Erving Award as the nation's top small forward and a Consensus First-Team All-American. The only Wildcat in history besides Kerry Kittles with career totals of over 1,800 points, 700 rebounds, 250 assists and 150 steals.
 
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Jordan
Bell
Round 2, Pick 38
Drafted by: Chicago Bulls
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6'9" / 227 lbs
School/Club: Oregon
Status: Junior
Birthday: January 7, 1995
DRAFT TRADE: Traded to Golden State Warriors



About Jordan Bell

Bell is not your typical basketball player, in the sense that scoring points isn’t what motivates him. His high school coach had to figure out creative ways to get Bell to shoot more. And from his first season at Oregon, he made it known he wanted to guard the opposing team’s highest-scoring frontcourt player. His freshman season set a tone for the rest of his career—Bell blocked a school single-season record 94 shots in just 24 minutes of playing time a game. On the other end, he took just four shots a game and averaged about five points. Bell never lost that lean toward D—he was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the year in 2016-17—but asked to increase his scoring contributions after fellow post man Chris Boucher was lost for the season with a knee injury, Bell delivered, helping lead the Ducks all the way to the Final Four.

Strengths

  • Committed and versatile defender
  • Great shot blocker
  • Aggressive rebounder
  • Lateral quickness
  • Leaping ability
  • Motor
Weaknesses

  • Has to work on perimeter game
  • Undersized for an NBA center
NBA projection: Bell is generally considered to be a high second-round Draft pick.

2016-17 Season
Especially after the season-ending injury to Chris Boucher, but even before that, Bell came into his own as a force on both ends of the floor. That was particularly evident in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, when Bell piled up 27 points, 26 boards, five assists and 10 blocked shots against Michigan and Kansas. He was chosen the NCAA Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player. Before that, he was voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, earned a spot on the league’s defensive team and was also second-team all-conference.

Key statistics: 10.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.9 tpg, 2.2 bpg, 28.9 mpg, .636 FG, .214 3PT, .701 FT

Career Highlights: The first player with five straight NCAA Tournament games of 12-plus rebounds since Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon in 1985. As a junior, became Oregon's first-ever Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. UO’s career leader in blocks (235) and field goal percentage (61.0), and fifth and ninth in those categories, respectively in Pac-12 history. Owns three of the top five single season blocks marks in UO history.
 
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Now the Rockets have two players who are no good without the ball in their hands.


I don't see a problem with it. Don't let the so-called experts get you caught up in their fabricated drama .

This is the same James Harden that not so long ago was in the same back court with Russell Westbrook who they all unanimously called one of the best back court duel in the NBA.

This will also take a lot of wear off of Harden and he won't be so beat up down the stretch.
 
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The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract with star forward Paul Millsap, sources told ESPN.com.

The third year of the deal is a team option, sources said, which limits the Nuggets liability for the 32-year-old who has made the All-Star team in each of the last four seasons. The signing was first reported by The Vertical.

Sources: Millsap joins Denver for 3 years, $90M http://es.pn/2tBQmKi
via @ESPN App http://es.pn/app
 
Free-agent guard JJ Redick has reached agreement on a one-year, $23 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources told ESPN.

"It's where I wanted to be," Redick told ESPN in a text message.

Redick also took to Twitter to indicate that he is heading to Philly.

Sources: JJ Redick agrees to 1-year, $23M contract with Sixers http://es.pn/2td32p3
via @ESPN App http://es.pn/app
Wow, if someone was paying me $23 million for a 1-year commitment, I'd want to be there too. lol
 
Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star, is open to waiving his no-trade clause to join the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers should those teams create a pathway to a deal with the New York Knicks, league sources told ESPN.

Houston has been proactive in pursuing possible trade scenarios for Anthony lately, although its discussions around the league have yet to gain traction on a deal, league sources told ESPN

Sources: Carmelo Anthony open to waiving no-trade clause for Rockets or Cavaliers http://es.pn/2tgNpg3
via @ESPN App http://es.pn/app
 
Houston is a better fit simply because he will be expected to play at least moderate defense in Cleveland.
 
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