Carmelo Anthony might not start the season with the New York Knicks at all, as ESPN reported that his team is still shopping the superstar over the past several weeks. As it appears, there is now a chance Anthony will move to the Portland Trail Blazers to team up with Damian Lillard.
Anthony, who has been the main subject of numerous Knicks rumors this offseason, has been linked to several teams. The Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets are among his desired landing spots.
The Knicks will try to get the best available package in an Anthony trade, but the veteran forward controls his future.
The 33-year-old holds a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he can veto any deal if he does not want to play for the team he is being traded to.
Carmelo Anthony to Portland not a long shot
Anthony was heavily linked to the Rockets earlier in the offseason, with Houston being tagged as the only logical destination for the 14-year veteran. Moving to Houston will give him the chance to compete for a title alongside fellow superstars Chris Paul and James Harden.
The Blazers are also being linked to Anthony, but there are doubts about his desire to move to Rip City. However, Lillard recently told Marc Spears of The Undefeated that he felt no opposition from Anthony about the idea of moving to Portland next season.
Lillard did not directly discuss his conversation with Anthony, but the All-Star playmaker gave a hint. He pointed out that Anthony “didn’t seem opposed” to the possibility of getting traded to the Trail Blazers.
The Blazers are expected to reach out to the Knicks about a possible deal. ESPN Insider Zach Lowe revealed Portland “really wants to get Melo” to form a Big Three with Lillard and budding superstar CJ McCollum.
Anthony to Cleveland Cavaliers still possible
Aside from the Rockets and the Trail Blazers, the Cavaliers are also being mentioned in the Anthony trade talks. Previous Knicks rumors indicated that New York could be forced to negotiate a contract buyout with their superstar.
And if the two sides agree to a buyout, Anthony will reportedly consider signing a deal with the Cavaliers.
It will give him a chance to compete for his first championship ring together with buddy LeBron James. Amico Hoops reported late last month the Cavs are still monitoring Anthony's situation in the Big Apple.
Even without a buyout, James and Anthony could find themselves playing together in Cleveland. The Cavs could trade Kevin Love to acquire Anthony, who averaged 22.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 74 games with the Knicks last season.
