Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: 4-Team Scenarios Reportedly Part of Rockets Talks

The Houston Rockets are reportedly trying to get creative in their pursuit of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony by engaging in four-way trade talks. But they have yet to find the right deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com reported Wednesday the Rockets and Knicks are "motivated" to reach an agreement, but there's still nothing "imminent."

Later on Wednesday, Stefan Bondy and Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reported a source said the trade "is at the two yard line."

Houston is trying to create its own superstar trio of Anthony, James Harden and Chris Paul to become a bigger threat to the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Making a trade with the Knicks work under the salary cap is going to take some maneuvering, though. Per Spotrac, the Rockets are about $15.3 million over the cap, so they'll need to match salaries closely to acquire Anthony, who is set to make $26.2 million next season.

That's why it doesn't come as a surprise to hear the discussions have increased to include at least four teams as the sides seek a way to make the financial numbers fall in place.

Wojnarowski previously reported the Rockets and Cavs were the two teams for whom Anthony would be willing to waive his no-trade clause.

Meanwhile, Houston general manager Daryl Morey made it clear last week during an ESPN appearance that the team wanted to add more star power, per Michael Gallagher of Yahoo Sports.

"Get more USA Basketball team members," he said about the team's roster-building philosophy.

Ultimately, it feels like there's a good chance Anthony ends up with the Rockets before the start of next season, even if it doesn't happen in the immediate future. Houston wants another marquee name and New York needs to start looking toward the future.

Then the question will become whether having Anthony, Harden and Paul—three players who are at their best when they have a lot of time on the ball—can coexist within the same offense.