Carmelo Anthony had some tough words for Zion Williamson. As per ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, the player has likely expressed his wish to be traded amidst the New Orleans Pelicans’ 9-32 season. After missing nearly 27 games due to injury, Williamson finally returned to the court. But the sweet return was interrupted by the player’s one-game suspension. And NBA legend Melo didn’t hesitate to dish out his take on the situation.

Speaking about Zion, who was suspended for being late to the team flight, Melo highlighted how mistakes can happen sometimes. However, he appeared frustrated since Zion was reportedly often late in showing up for the bus. 

“You don’t give a f**k or you just pissing on the territory and you’re just saying f**k it yo this is my way of saying get me out of here right. If a player want to get out of there, get them out of there like I don’t know why is that so I mean talk get them out of there like try to trade him,” Melo said.

He also explained how the player empowerment that older players have managed to achieve might be misused. “This is like the dark side to player empowerment right. We fought for player empowerment…I mean taking a stand and sitting in lockouts and sitting across these owners and really fighting, figuring out the business of this,” Melo added. 

The crew further discussed how the 2x NBA All-Star must practice discipline and get back in shape. Williamson is averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 45.5% shooting. Rudy Gay, present on the show, urged for the same as the league needs young and talented players like him.

As Smith stated, the player wants a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers or the Knicks for better marketability. A similar situation is seen in the Miami Heat as well where Jimmy Butler wants a trade. But speaking of his approach to initiate the request for a trade, Melo had a bit more supportive advice for the player.

Carmelo Anthony warns Jimmy Butler of serious issue

The rift between the Miami Heat and Butler has been obvious after the player expressed that he no longer finds joy in the game. “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, and wherever that may be we’ll find out here pretty soon”, he said. 

When asked if he would get his joy back in Miami, he said no. Soon after, the franchise announced Butler’s 7-game suspension and made their decision to trade him official. Both Williamson and Butler are in the same situation and wish to be traded. But while speaking about Butler, Melo gently warned him about the potential issues.

“This is serious business now. This could really f**k you up going into your next situation. Pat gonna send him to somewhere— ‘yeah okay you wanna f**k with me? Imma send you to the Wizards’, and that’s gonna be a f**k you to Jimmy,” Melo added. Both Melo and their guest on the show agreed that if Butler, who is 35 now, ends up on a rebuilding team, it could be troublesome for him. He might wind up losing one very crucial year of his career.

It remains to be seen where the two star players end up.