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New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has expanded his list of acceptable trade destinations to include at least two more teams, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Anthony’s preferred destination remains the Houston Rockets, but since the Knicks were unable to agree upon a deal with appropriate return, Anthony has given the Knicks more options—including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Sources: Carmelo Anthony furnishes Knicks with expanded list of trade destinations, including Cleveland. Story https://t.co/K3FyiN87E0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2017
The Cavaliers were on Anthony’s initial shortlist, prior to summer drama and the eventual trade of all-star point guard Kyrie Irving. The other teams Anthony will accept a trade to are not yet known, though, per Wojnarowski, “Anthony has been urging the Knicks to show urgency in their pursuit of a trade before the season.”
The Portland Trail Blazers were not mentioned in Wojnarowski’s report, but it is reasonable to think that they may be one of the unknown teams. They have been one of the apparent frontrunners in the Anthony sweepstakes this offseason, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum actively recruiting.
On Thursday, Jason McIntyre of Fox Sports reported that Anthony may be on the edge of accepting a trade to Portland.
Carmelo Anthony's people are trying a Hail Mary attempt to get him to Houston (Knicks won't do it) ... before he accepts a deal to Portland
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 21, 2017
The “Hail Mary” appears to have failed. Whether or not the Trail Blazers become the actual beneficiary of compromise is yet to be seen.
UPDATE (6:56 p.m. PDT)
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports that the Trail Blazers are not one of the mysterious, unknown teams. At this point, we can only speculate.
The mystery third team is not, repeat not, Portland. Maybe it's the Spurs? Heat? What about Wizards? https://t.co/9oiLGEtQg2
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) September 23, 2017
UPDATE 2 (7:16 p.m. PDT)
Sam Amick of USA Today reports that the Portland Trail Blazers were not among the teams Anthony named.
NY hasn't been told Portland is on list, source says, but plenty of in-the-know folks still see that as an option https://t.co/viI7z9k2O4
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 23, 2017
UPDATE 3 (7:39 p.m. PDT)
Ian Begley of ESPN reports that the Oklahoma City Thunder are included on Anthony’s list of preferred destinations.
Knicks have been informed that Oklahoma City is one of the other teams Carmelo Anthony has included on his list, team sources told ESPN
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 23, 2017
UPDATE 4 (8:12 p.m. PDT)
Amick adds that there is a growing sense that Anthony would be alright with a trade to Portland.
Also, even more than before, strong indications Carmelo will be open to Portland (though no official word to team) https://t.co/viI7z9k2O4
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 23, 2017
UPDATE 5 (9:10 p.m. PDT)
Marc Berman of the New York Post writes:
“The source told The Post that Anthony is heavily considering putting the Trail Blazers on his list as well.”