NBA Trade Rumors: Portland Trailblazers’ Insider Ridicules Carmelo Anthony’s Return to the Team

Carmelo Anthony is currently one of the NBA’s most tenured players. Part of the legendary 2003 NBA Draft class, ‘Melo has been a true stalwart in the NBA.

However, while his companions, the likes of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, have won championships, Anthony is yet to taste the same success. And at 36, time is running out for him to see championship success.

The latter years of Anthony’s career have not seen him garner much success. After being drafted as the 3rd overall by the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo played with them for 8 years even making it to the Western Conference Finals where he lost to eventual champions LA Lakers.

In 2011, Anthony found himself traded to the New York Knicks. His 6-year stint in the city that never sleeps was fruitless. Anthony never made it past the second round in the Playoffs, but had a scoring title in 2013, and made an All-NBA second and third team each. He was subsequently traded in 2017 to Oklahoma City Thunder.

Since then, Anthony has had one-year stints with teams like OKC, Rockets, and now the Trailblazers. Portland is now home to ‘Melo, and he’s had a short career revival.

In the NBA Bubble, he looked like the ‘Melo of old, averaging about 15 points per game in the NBA Playoffs. But questions still surround Anthony’s future with the organization.

The key issue for Anthony in any team in the past few years has been surrounding his role. His stints at OKC and the Rockets fell apart due to his reluctance to accept a lesser role, and according to reports, his time with Portland could end for the same reason.

Carmelo Anthony – Starter or Role Player?

Carmelo Anthony transitioned into free agency after his one-year contract with the Blazers came to an end. While there is significant interest from the Portland Trail Blazers, a new agreement is not as simple.

According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, Carmelo’s perception of himself may stand in the way of the agreement. “The only way I can see Carmelo Anthony returning to Portland is if he has some kind of revelation that he is now a role player. And I can’t imagine that happening.”

With reports emerging that Anthony could be looking to return to the Knicks alongside his friend Chris Paul, his time in Portland could be up.