Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum aren't shying away from making an aggressive pitch—and breaking the NBA's tampering rules—in attempt to persuade Carmelo Anthony to join the Portland Trail Blazers.

Speaking to reporters at Lillard's basketball camp Wednesday, the Blazers backcourt duo said they believe Anthony is interested in making a move to the Pacific Northwest based on conversations they've had with the 10-time All-Star.

While McCollum said he thinks Anthony is "interested," according to the Oregonian's Joe Freeman, Lillard went so far as to say it's "a real possibility" that Anthony could bolt for Portland, per Rip City Radio's Jay Allen.

"Hashtag Free Melo," McCollum added, according to Blazers.com's Casey Holdahl.

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

Get the best sports content from the web and social in the new B/R app. Get the app and get the game.

This is the best news in a long time on the Melo front. If Lillard and CJ can persuade Melo to join them in Portland, we will possibly get the best return back. Let's hope they keep pitching for him! I'm suddenly becoming a big Portland fan.

SocraticBallin22 wrote:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2722653-damian-lillard-cj-mccollum-say-carmelo-anthony-is-interested-in-joining-blazers

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum aren't shying away from making an aggressive pitch—and breaking the NBA's tampering rules—in attempt to persuade Carmelo Anthony to join the Portland Trail Blazers.

Speaking to reporters at Lillard's basketball camp Wednesday, the Blazers backcourt duo said they believe Anthony is interested in making a move to the Pacific Northwest based on conversations they've had with the 10-time All-Star.

While McCollum said he thinks Anthony is "interested," according to the Oregonian's Joe Freeman, Lillard went so far as to say it's "a real possibility" that Anthony could bolt for Portland, per Rip City Radio's Jay Allen.

"Hashtag Free Melo," McCollum added, according to Blazers.com's Casey Holdahl.

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

Get the best sports content from the web and social in the new B/R app. Get the app and get the game.

This is just kicking the can down the road.

SocraticBallin22 wrote:If we can get Moe Harkless (reasonable 3 yr contract at 10 per; 24 yrs old) with expiring contracts (they have plenty of these) and a 1st round pick. Sign me up. Done. End this Melo Drama already.

EnySpree wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

SocraticBallin22 wrote:If we can get Moe Harkless (reasonable 3 yr contract at 10 per; 24 yrs old) with expiring contracts (they have plenty of these) and a 1st round pick. Sign me up. Done. End this Melo Drama already.

I think Melo needs to hear from NYK/Houston that no deal is happening before he woud wive his ntc for the Blazers For the Kncks a trade with Portland is better in y opinion.

I'm sure they already came to that conclusion. Houston has tried their best with 4 team trades and such. If it was a good fit for the Knicks the deal would be done already.

Dealing with Portland straight up cuts alot of the bull**** out of this trade. Plus Melo is a better fit for Portland. They have a super center prospect if he can ever get healthy, plus a super scoring back court. With Melo there they take several leaps forward. Plus there's no built in drama with Melo hating the coach or having to mend that relationship. Dantoni is reported to be against the trade. Anyway you slice it.... Portland is the better deal. Maybe in a well or so this will marinate with Melo's camp and this situation could take on some legs

EnySpree wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://www.twitter.com/lala/status/832745603801108482

For what it's worth.... Little Kiyan Anthony had a basketball tournament in Portland during winter recess I believe. He loved out out there. There was asn article written about it that i can't find. I did find the tweet though

I dont live too far from there, beautiful area. Someone with Melo's net worth could get himself a real nice home with amazing mountain views.

I'm almost certain that if he waived his NTC at least a dozen teams would be blowing up mills phone. I can't wait to see the trade the knicks will accept.

EnySpree wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

EnySpree wrote:

Tweet was deleted or there was problem with the URL:

https://www.twitter.com/lala/status/832745603801108482

For what it's worth.... Little Kiyan Anthony had a basketball tournament in Portland during winter recess I believe. He loved out out there. There was asn article written about it that i can't find. I did find the tweet though

I dont live too far from there, beautiful area. Someone with Melo's net worth could get himself a real nice home with amazing mountain views.

They all loved the trip. It's something the family could consider. Cooler heads in a week or so might really consider this

They have diehard fans as well. Top ten in attendance I believe. Not a ready made contender, but Melo might add enough to the mix to attract more talent. It would be tougher in the west, but at least Melo would be in the game, going up against the best.

knicks1248 wrote:I wonder why all this good players and teams want a guy who doesn't pass or play defense, who's toxic and a cancer in the locker room.

I'm almost certain that if he waived his NTC at least a dozen teams would be blowing up mills phone. I can't wait to see the trade the knicks will accept.

Melo is neither as bad as his fiercest critics suggest or as good as his staunchest defenders think.

He's one of the most talent players in the league that doesn't happen to play a team oriented or efficient game.

He can be both at the same time.

Knickoftime wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:I wonder why all this good players and teams want a guy who doesn't pass or play defense, who's toxic and a cancer in the locker room.

I'm almost certain that if he waived his NTC at least a dozen teams would be blowing up mills phone. I can't wait to see the trade the knicks will accept.

Melo is neither as bad as his fiercest critics suggest or as good as his staunchest defenders think.

He's one of the most talent players in the league that doesn't happen to play a team oriented or efficient game.

He can be both at the same time.

Exactly... Melo is still a good player. He's just not the player we need at this time. Hess not a guy you build around, but to teams that are a player away from being a contender? Of course they would be interested. Portland putting out Melo, Dame, CJ, Nurkic and whoever is a pretty good starting 5. They have nice role players already. It's just a seamless match