Should Melo accept Portland?
Throughout the summer, Carmelo Anthony has been privately trying to get on the Houston Rockets roster, with fellow superstars and friends, James Harden and Chris Paul. Unfortunately, Houston hasn’t found a third-team to send Ryan Anderson’s $62 million contract to, since the New York Knicks are reluctant on absorbing any unnecessary cap money.
Coincidentally, Portland Trail Blazers stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have publicly campaigned for Melo to join them in the great north west; which doesn’t appear to be a preferred destination for Anthony (or his wife). However, he may be having a change of heart this weekend, before New York’s first media day for the 2018 season on Monday.
According to Jason McIntyre of Fox Sports, Carmelo’s camp is reportedly cautiously optimistic that he’ll get dealt before Monday afternoon – if a trade with the Rockets doesn’t happen. At the moment, it looks like this is going to be the final landing spot for Melo; but we’re curious who the Knicks will be receiving as compensation, since they didn’t want to take back Ryan Anderson.
Yesterday, on Madison Square Garden’s official blog, new team general manager, Scott Perry, gave an outlook on the immediate future and plans for the Knicks. He went to mention how he plans to refresh the team; including rebuilding around Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez, Frank Ntilikina and Ron Baker – not including Melo at any point of the conversation.
This makes us wonder how much the team is looking to get rid of him before Monday, which could be more than Melo wanting to actually leave town. Let us know in the comments if you think Anthony will be back at the Garden next month or traded this week. Also, could this move propel the Blazers to become a legitimate contender out west with a third star?
Carmelo Anthony's people are trying a Hail Mary attempt to get him to Houston (Knicks won't do it) … before he accepts a deal to Portland
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 21, 2017
Here's how to think about this: Melo wants out. the IG videos grinding in hoodie = Trying to change his narrative, make him more attractive https://t.co/jKKREvrVUk
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 21, 2017
Training camp is Monday. Kyrie: Trade me. Done. Melo: Trade me. ? Unless @dmorey pulls off a miracle…it's Portland or stay in NY (& pout) https://t.co/r3S4GGAxSY
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 21, 2017
Those in the know think Carmelo more likely to sit out, be a distraction, as Knicks camp opens vs accept a trade to Portland. So let's see.
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) September 22, 2017
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum said they each have reached out to Carmelo Anthony in an effort to sell him on the Blazers.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) July 19, 2017