Melo may have to face Rockets in preseason

In a cruel bit of irony for Carmelo Anthony, the Rockets are on the Knicks’ preseason schedule, visiting the Garden on Oct. 9.

According to widespread reports, Anthony has told the Knicks he is willing to waive his no-trade clause only for a deal to the Rockets, who feature his two buddies, Chris Paul and James Harden. Teams such as the Cavaliers, Pelicans and Thunder have expressed interest, and The Post has reported the Knicks have talked to Anthony about expanding his wish list, but to no avail.

The only deal with Houston that would make sense under the salary cap includes Rockets power forward Ryan Anderson as the centerpiece, because he has three years and $60 million left on his contract. Anderson, however, is overpriced and plays the same position as Kristaps Porzingis. The Rockets and Knicks failed to find another team to join in on a three-team package.

The Knicks could be better served waiting until the next important trade marker, Dec. 15, when all the free agents who signed this summer are eligible to be dealt.

There’s a chance Anthony will be forced to attend training camp, which starts Sept. 25 in Tarrytown. The Knicks have the leverage now, as their chief objective is developing their young players this season and making the playoffs is not the No. 1 priority. The Knicks own all their future first-round draft picks. If Anthony holds out, it would cost him money, and the Knicks would carry on with their youth plan.