Woj: Knicks, Rockets Reopen Trade Talks, Carmelo Only Interested in Houston

The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets have re-engaged in trade talks for Carmelo Anthony, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Anthony remains insistent that he will only waive his no-trade clause to join the Rockets and that he won’t expand his list to include other teams. Still, the Portland Trail Blazers continue to show interest in Anthony.

Portland has kept an interest in Anthony, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum continuing to recruit Anthony to consider the Blazers as an alternative to Houston, league sources said.

Last month, Wojnarowski reported that the Knicks are focused on acquiring players younger than 25 in an eventual trade involving Anthony. The sticking point, right now, is “finding a broader package to include forward Ryan Anderson” and his rather hefty contract. It is apparent that the two sides will have to find a third party to be able to make a trade work.

The Trail Blazers currently have the pieces to put together a reasonable offer for Anthony but he does not seem interested in waiving his no-trade clause for any team beyond the Rockets. CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard will continue to recruit Anthony to the Blazers and take this team to the next level.