Report: Anthony's circle hopeful of trade to Rockets by Monday

If it were up to Carmelo Anthony, his tenure with the New York Knicks would have come to an end already.

Anthony's inner circle is reportedly optimistic a trade can be agreed upon by Monday - the Knicks' media day and the first day of training camp - according to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.

Alas, with the star and his current team at an impasse, the Knicks have apparently been unable to net a worthwhile package from the only team Anthony is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join: The Houston Rockets.

Even with the Portland Trail Blazers delivering minor overtures for Anthony, the 10-time All-Star remains focused on joining the Rockets to form a dynamic trio alongside James Harden and Chris Paul.

Prior to ex-New York president Phil Jackson leaving the organization earlier this summer, a deal that would have sent Anthony to Houston was on the "2-yard line," reports Isola, citing sources with knowledge of the Knicks' plans. But due to restructuring in the team's front office, that deal was shelved, leading to an offseason's worth of breathless speculation.

Ultimately, for a deal to get done in the next five days, someone is going to have to fold in this three-way game of chicken. Either the Knicks will accept a package from the Rockets built around the hefty long-term contract of veteran big Ryan Anderson, or the Rockets will sweeten the deal with superior young assets and draft picks. Or, Anthony could relent on his demands to play for Houston, opening the possibility for a trade elsewhere.

But considering Anthony has averaged 24.7 points through six-and-a-half seasons with the Knicks while making the All-Star team each year, the team could also continue to take a patient approach, dealing with the awkwardness of Anthony's presence at media day as it comes.