NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Trading for Carmelo Anthony After First Loss to Atlanta Hawks

By Carlo Monzon
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony with the New York Knicks. Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

The defending NBA champions the Cleveland Cavaliers started the season strong but they are now looking at their first loss at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. After suffering their first defeat this year, it seems the Cavs have started considering upgrading their lineup by getting Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks through a three-team trade.

On Nov. 8, the Hawks delivered the Cavaliers' first loss of the season largely thanks to Dennis Schroder making 28 points in the game. Although LeBron James and the rest of the Cavs were still able to take the lead at certain points during the game, the Hawks were still able to maintain their composure until the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

After experiencing their first loss, the Cleveland franchise is starting to realize how hard it will be to defend their title this year, especially since many squads have used the offseason to upgrade their rosters and create super teams of their own.

As for the Cavs, they mainly decided to use their resources to keept the core team intact. Although this decision consistent plays from players this season, it could also hurt their chances of maintaining their title.

So, as a solution, rumors suggest that the Cleveland franchise is looking to get Anthony from the Knicks in order to boost the Cavs' offense. However, according to reports, it seems it won't be a straightforward trade.

Since the offseason, Kevin Love has been the center of trade rumors for the Cavs since he has been viewed as the weakest link of the core team. In the new rumors, the Cavs will reportedly trade Love to the Miami Heat where he will serve as the replacement for Chris Bosh, who is still in danger of missing the rest of the season due to his health condition.

In exchange, the Heat will then give away Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson to the Knicks. The Knicks, then, will deliver Anthony to the Cavs.
Following this potential three-way trade deal would be a smart move for the Cleveland franchise since it will allow them to get Anthony by just losing one player.