If a recent NBA rumors report proves true, New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony could be headed to a surprising Western Conference team. It's no surprise that the Knicks' head honcho Phil Jackson has wanted to deal Anthony in favor of rebuilding. However, the latest trade rumor is a bit of a shocker as it would have Melo headed to the Portland Trail Blazers. Will the All-Star forward join Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum as a member of the team, or will this deal simply be more NBA rumors about Melo finally being traded?
What's the deal?
A Sportskeeda report indicated that the Portland Trail Blazers might give up their 2017 first round draft pick along with a player for Carmelo.
The Blazers currently own the No. 15, No. 20, and No. 26 picks for the NBA Draft scheduled for June 22nd. It's noted that although New York already has a lottery pick they may try to acquire more picks to build their future team with. The idea would be keeping Kristaps Porzingis and Willie Hernangomez on board at the very least.
The NY Knicks currently own the No. 8 pick when the draft rolls around later this month. ESPN's Ian Begley indicated recently that the team is highly interested in North Carolina State guard Dennis Smith at the spot. Another option could be Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox or Malik Monk if either guard is available there.
Possible draft choices around that No. 15 pick the Blazers own include Wake Forest power forward John Collins, Indiana forward Og Anunoby and North Carolina's Justin Jackson.
New York could add a player like Jackson not to replace Melo but to try to help the young team as they move forward.
In addition to the draft pick, the proposed trade would send Portland's Moe Harkless to New York. Harkless averaged 7.3 points. 3.3 rebounds, 1.25 steals, and 1.25 blocks per game in an average of 24.8 minutes per game.
Melo with Blazers
While these are just more Carmelo Anthony NBA rumors that are out there, the possibility of Melo joining Portland is intriguing. It would give the Trail Blazers one of the top stars in the league. Anthony would be united with one of the league's top backcourts in terms of scoring with Damian Lillard and C.J.
McCollum, both of whom are also All-Star selections before.
However, this trade seems like it would just help New York clear Anthony from the team and get another good potential future talent. The Blazers could stand to find a better possible fit for their team and it's always possible that Anthony, who needs to waive a "no-trade" clause in his contract, simply won't want to play there.
NBA fans, do you think the speculated trade between New York and Portland for Carmelo would be of benefit for these teams? Who would get the better deal?
