Lillard, McCollum still believe Melo could join Trail Blazers

Even though Carmelo Anthony has reportedly shot down a move to Portland, the Trail Blazers' stars are still pushing to bring the Knicks forward into the fold.

Point guard Damian Lillard asserted Anthony joining the Blazers is a "real possibility," according to Rip City Radio's Jay Allen.

Shooting guard C.J. McCollum concurred when asked about forming a high-scoring trifecta in the Pacific northwest, saying, "I think he's interested," according to The Oregonian's Joe Freeman.

Both Lillard and McCollum have reportedly reached out to the 10-time All-Star. McCollum went as far as to post a picture on Instagram of Anthony in a Trail Blazers jersey.

However, Anthony ultimately holds the keys to his own destiny. With a no-trade clause built into his contract, Melo will have veto power over any potential trade, whether to Portland or the Houston Rockets, the other team he's been tied to throughout the offseason.

With the hiring of general manager Scott Perry, there seemed to be a hope that fresh management could talk Anthony into sticking with the Knicks, though it appears that ship has sailed. That leaves a trade to a preferred destination or a buyout as the only logical conclusions to Melo's tenure in the Big Apple.