NBA Rumor: Melo to the Trailblazers?

The Portland Trailblazers have been identified as a potential trade partner for the New York Knicks as part of the Melo sweepstakes.

ESPN’s Adrian Woj reported Saturday: “One of the teams that New York and Houston had hoped would facilitate a multiteam trade for Anthony—the Portland Trail Blazers—plans to participate in a deal for Anthony only if he decides to expand his no-trade clause to include the Trail Blazers”

Most recently, NBA buzz suggested Melo was going to be shipped to the Rockets in what would have formed a Big 3 of Harden, Chris Paul, and Melo. However, discussions with the Rockets have stalled and the rise of Portland rumor suggests that the Rockets deal may have been further from reality than most anticipated.

If the Trailblazers become the frontrunner for the Melo sweepstakes, the following concerns need to be addressed. First, would Carmelo waive his no-trade clause with the Knicks to join the Blazers? Who would the Trailblazers give up as part of the deal (maybe Jusuf Nurkic)? Would Houston part-take in facilitating a multi team deal if they are no longer the landing spot for Melo?

It’ll be interesting to see what comes to fruition with Carmelo. We'll just have to wait and see. That in mind, a big 3 of Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Melo would have a lot of fire power at hand and would definitely be fun to watch. However, I am leery to suggest that they would challenge the likes of the Warriors or Spurs in the west. I would consider them a top 5 seed in the west capping their playoff run in the Western Conference semi-finals.

Feel free to share your thoughts on where you think Melo goes and if a Portland Big 3 would make some noise in the league!