The Blazers are interested in trading for New York Knicks‘ Carmelo Anthony while the ten-time All-Star is still hoping to go to Houston.
The Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers are the two teams linked to Carmelo Anthony since the offseason trade talk began months ago. The newest update is that the Portland Trail Blazers are interested in dealing for Anthony themselves.According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Portland only plans to participate in a deal for Anthony if he decides to expand his no-trade clause to include the Trail Blazers.
Per Woj, Portland believes adding Anthony “would furnish it with talent and depth comparable to those of the top Western Conference contenders, except for the Golden State Warriors.”
The Knicks have reportedly paused trade negotiations on Anthony with the Houston Rockets since hiring new general manager Scott Perry. They to wait until after Melo meets with the new brain trust to move forward.
Perry is set to be formally introduced at a press conference on Monday with head coach Jeff Hornacek and team president Steve Mills.
All the evidence suggests Melo still wants to play in Houston. Going there and teaming up with Chris Paul and James Harden still seems like his preference. Even an uncomfortable reunion with Mike D’Antoni couldn’t sway him.
Courtney Lee and Kyle O’Quinn could be included in the trade. Ian Begley of ESPN New York reported that they received interest in trade talks.
Elite Sports NY’s Collin Loring wrote about why a trade for Phoenix Suns point guard Brandon Knight makes sense.