Carmelo Anthony Will Join Portland Trail Blazers

Carmelo Anthony will sing a non-guarantee contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s analysis and one of the best insiders in the NBA league,

The 10-time All-Star and one of the biggest names in the league is about to make a comeback on the court. Wojnarowski is suggesting that the lethal scorer will become a member of the Portland Trail Blazers pretty soon. After an unsuccessful episode with the Houston Rockets and a pause that lasted for almost a year, Anthony is willing to have another NBA adventure. However, this situation will be a bit different than the one in Texas was.

Deal is non-guaranteed, per source. https://t.co/9o6mmiXSNN

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2019

Melo came to Houston as the final piece in the championship puzzle, and a player who was supposed to be the X-factor in the Rockets’ title quest. Yet, that didn’t happen. Moreover, that chapter in his career was very disappointing.

Just 11 games into the season, the Rockets decided to part ways with the player, who participated in 10 of them, being a starter twice. In 29.4 minutes per night, he averaged a career-low 13.4 points, 5.4 boards, shooting 40.5% from the field, and 68.2% from the free-throw line. The team was 4-7 at the moment.

“After much internal discussion, the Rockets will be parting ways with Carmelo Anthony, and we are working toward a resolution,” stated Daryl Morey back then.

Malo was on a one-year, $2.4 million veteran minimum contract, but the Rockets didn’t want to release the forward. They waited a chance for a trade, which happened on January 22, when they sent him to Chicago along with cash considerations and rights on Jon Diebler in exchange for rights on Tadija Dragicevic.

After that, the former 3rd pick from the legendary 2003 NBA draft was allegedly contacted by several teams but remained off the court until the end of the season.

Portland was among those interested sides, and eventually, they got Melo. All the issues this team experienced recently regarding their injuries and on-court performances forced the management to reach out and bring Anthony, who could be valuable in certain situations. According to several sources, Damian Lillard was notified about Carmelo’s arrival, and the leader of the Blazers had a positive reaction about that.

Damian Lillard was notified on the potential of adding Carmelo Anthony last night and he made it clear that he’s always been supportive of bringing in the future Hall-of-Famer, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Portland searching for a boost to what has been a slow start.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 15, 2019

With Zach Collins, Jusuf Nurkic, and Pau Gasol out for some time, the Trail Blazers had to react and add some depth to their roster. Also, the team is struggling with the performances, and something radically had to be done. After 12 games, Portland has 4 wins and 8 defeats, which is unacceptable for the team, aiming to go deep into the postseason. Last year’s Western Conference finals and No.3 seed at the end of the regular part of the season, increased the ambitions of both the fans and the organization in general.

Lillard signed a max-contract extension over the summer; Rodney Hood was re-signed, while Hassan Whiteside, Mario Hezonja, Anthony Toliver, Kent Bazemore, Gasol, etc, all landed in Oregon. The management wanted to take a step forward and to strengthen the team, which already had a solid foundation.

The six-time All-NBA, who was the scoring champion in 2013, and also the NCAA champion with the Syracuse Nationals, should be helpful. Sources are saying that his condition is excellent, due to a special program he underwent since leaving Houston.

Melo’s first game could be against – the Rockets at Toyota Center this Monday.