Houston Rockets: Will Portland Be the Third Team in a Melo Trade?

As the Carmelo drama continues to exist, are the teams involved close to any sort of deal?

It is no secret that the Rockets are looking to acquire Carmelo Anthony. The Portland Trail Blazers at first seemed to be the third team involved in the deal, but then they showed interest in getting Melo for themselves.

After the Blazers struck out on that venture, they seem to be back as the potential third team in the trade. Would Portland help out Houston trade for a player that they tried to acquire?

Why It Seems Like Portland Would Help

According to various rumors/reports, the Blazers were willing to take on contracts and be involved in the Melo trade originally. Even today, they traded away Allan Crabbe to Brooklyn and created a decent amount of cap space for themselves. Are they preparing to take on the contract of someone like Ryan Anderson? He could be an interesting fit next to Jusuf Nurkic, though that would be one rough defensive frontcourt.

Trevor Ariza is a name that is possibly available, unfortunately. The source, though verified, is not very reliable.

Houston only trying to deal Ariza in its efforts to acquire Melo. Morey would prefer to keep him if he can, sources say https://t.co/BLKPjpcu7V

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 25, 2017

I would not fully believe that Ariza is available, but the Rockets certainly do have some small forward depth with Luc Mbah a Moute and P.J. Tucker. While his play may be able to be replaced, Ariza’s friendships with James Harden and Chris Paul would not be.

Why Portland Would Not Help

Ryan Anderson is the main reason why Portland would not want to be the third team in the trade. New York would not want him, so the Rockets are obviously looking to find a partner for Ryno. The problem is that the Blazers already have an overpaid stretch big in Leonard and would likely not want to swap out for another. It’ll take some serious Daryl Morey convincing to make a deal with Portland involved.

One thing that the Blazers really want to do is get rid of the contract of Meyers Leonard. If the Knicks are willing to take him, could Portland take a more productive Ryan Anderson? That is the big question.

What do you think will happen with this trade situation? Let us know in the comments!

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