Just when you thought you knew where Carmelo Anthony might be headed, here comes a curveball.
The Portland Trail Blazers have emerged as a new possible trade suitor for the New York Knicks, who have been plagued by Anthony’s uncertain future with the team for the past six months.
While Anthony has said that he will only waive his no-trade clause for the Houston Rockets or Cleveland Cavaliers, two of Portland’s best players think otherwise.
Blazer guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum spoke with Jason Quick of CSN Northwest:
“I spoke to him,” Lillard said. “Because obviously, he makes us a better team. So obviously with that being out there and being a real possibility, I don’t see why I wouldn’t reach out to him and let him know the interest is mutual if he is interested in us.”
McCollum added even more.
“If we get him … when we get him … I think we could be top three in the West, easy,” McCollum said. “I think he’s interested. Obviously, I feel he wants to play with his team — the Banana Boat friends. I know he wants to play with CP [Chris Paul] and LeBron [James], and those are good options, but I feel we are a good option.”
For a ringless Anthony, the Blazers would be a difficult sell if he is looking to win a championship. The West is stacked with the Golden State Warriors, a rebuilt Houston Rockets club after they acquired Chris Paul, and the always-stellar San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets wanted the Blazers to participate in the trade to help bring Anthony to Houston, but the only way Portland will get involved is if they get the All-Star small forward.
