Talks of the Carmelo Anthony trade are taking over NBA news again. Reports reveal Melo is only welcoming trade talks from championship-calibre teams and leading the list are the Houston Rockets. However, another team has been thrown into the mix with some even calling the Portland Trail Blazers a "sleeper" in the transfer talks.
Adding the 10-time NBA All Star to any of these teams will push the probability of them creating a super team and possibly having a chance at beating the dominating Golden State Warriors. Where will Carmelo fit in and what will the roster be like with the addition of the former Syracuse standout?
We look at the NBA trade possibilities for Carmelo Anthony.
Carmelo Anthony to Houston Rockets
Several sources have confirmed that Anthony will only waive his no-trade clause for the Rockets. The team made into the second round of Playoffs last season but failed to move forward, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in six games. To reinforce the team, the Rockets signed 9-time NBA All Star and one of the best NBA point guards, Chris Paul. CP3 and James Harden are expected to boost the chances of the team to make it to the NBA Finals.
Should Melo join the duo, they will be creating one of the best back court offensive trios in the league. NBA MVP Runner up, Harden, posted incredible numbers last season with 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Paul, on the other hand, had an impressive season and an even more impressive playoff performance. He posted 25.3 points, 9.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds with the LA Clippers. If Carmelo Anthony joins the Houston Rockets, expect an added 22-24 points per game to go with 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
Add the three to a front court led by Nene and Ryan Anderson and you have one of the strongest Houston Rockets rosters in years.
Portland Trail Blazers plus Melo
If Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum courting Melo is enough, the 14-year veteran might join Portland and reinforce the already strong Western Conference team. With Dame and CJ in one and two, Carmelo could be a great fit in the three or even four position, strengthen the front court of Portland.
With Aminu or Turner from the bench, the New York Knicks trade will give depth to the Trail Blazer roster bench.
Portland, who only reached the first round of the NBA Playoffs last season, may easily reach second and even conference finals next season, on their way to an NBA Finals appearance in the next few years. Lillard's 27 points, 5.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game last year, coupled with McCollum's 23 points, 3.6 assists and rebounds were enough to propel the team to the postseason. With Melo's scoring output and mere presence in the court, the team could potentially reach the Western Conference finals.
