Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Blazers Want to Be Included in No-Trade Clause

As the New York Knicks continue to search for a trade partner to move Carmelo Anthony, the Portland Trail Blazers reportedly want to be included among the contenders.  

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday the Blazers want to convince Anthony to put them on his list of trade candidates:

"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, league sources told ESPN.

"Portland believes the addition of a player such as Anthony would furnish it with talent and depth comparable to those of the top Western Conference contenders, except for the Golden State Warriors, league sources said. Because of that, the Blazers have little, if any, inclination to facilitate an Anthony deal that would land him with a Western Conference rival such as Houston, league sources said."

To this point, the Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be the most likely landing spots for Anthony. 

On July 12, Wojnarowski reported the Knicks and Rockets "expanded the scope" of a potential deal involving Anthony to include up to four teams. At the same time, the Cavaliers reportedly "haven't abandoned" their pursuit of the 10-time All-Star, he added. 

On Saturday, Wojnarowski noted trade discussions between the Knicks and Rockets had stalled for now. 

Anthony is under contract for one more season, while he has a player option for 2018-19. He also possesses a full no-trade clause which gives him the ability to veto any potential deal the Knicks may work out.