It's been clear for some time now that it is in the best interest of both the New York Knicks and star forward Carmelo Anthony to part ways with one another, but that has yet to happen.

As the 2017-18 season draws nearer, many are wondering if Melo will indeed be traded, or if he'll be forced to endure another subpar season in the Big Apple.

Melo, of course, is not blameless in this situation, as he has a full no-trade clause and has made it clear he'll only waive it under certain circumstances.

According to the New York Post, sources now say that Anthony will only waive his no-trade clause to go to the Houston Rockets. He had previously stated he'd waive the clause for either the Rockets or the Cleveland Cavaliers:

"Phil Jackson is out as president, but the franchise’s strategy hasn’t changed much," Berman writes. "A stalemate has ensued as sources indicate Anthony only wishes to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Rockets. Not even Cleveland, which is in turmoil, is good enough for Anthony as the Cavaliers are dealing with Kyrie Irving’s trade demand."

Obviously, the drama in Cleveland has taken its toll on Anthony, as he no longer wants to join forces with LeBron James, though an Irving-for-Melo trade has reportedly been batted around in recent days.

Berman continues by saying the Knicks aren't just going to give Anthony away to Houston for nothing. However, after the Rockets traded several players and a draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for star point guard Chris Paul earlier this season, it remains to be seen if they have enough assets to land Anthony:

"The Knicks’ management tandem of Steve Mills-Scott Perry claim it won’t trade Anthony to Houston unless it cobbles together a solid deal that makes sense for the Knicks’ future," Berman writes. "Nothing has materialized."

The Rockets would have one of the NBA's best offenses if they landed Melo, as they could pair him with James Harden, who is coming off an MVP-caliber season, and CP3, who is one of Anthony's closest friends.

With each passing day, it appears more likely that Melo will remain with the Knicks for the 2017-18 season. Berman reports that the Knicks are OK with that, as that's part of the reason they signed veteran point guard Ramon Sessions this offseason.

However, the ball is in Houston's court, as they have to figure out if they have what it takes to put a package together that will entice the Knicks to send their star forward out west.