Portland Trail Blazers: Is re-signing Carmelo Anthony a no-brainer?

After a sensational comeback season came to a close, the Portland Trail Blazers will have to decide if they want to retain Carmelo Anthony moving forward.

Carmelo Anthony‘s return to basketball after a calendar year away from the game was nothing short of impressive. After many people, Anthony included, believed retirement was imminent, the Portland Trail Blazers took a risk on the 10-time All-Star, and it was the perfect match for both sides.

In 58 regular-season games with the team, Anthony averaged 15.4 points per game on 43.0 percent field goal shooting and 38.3 percent from 3-point territory, reviving his career.

Following their 131-122 Game 5 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night, the Portland Trail Blazers’ season officially concluded, with Anthony set to become a free agent. When asked by reporters what the future holds for the 36-year-old, he assured that his eyes are not on retirement, but staying in Portland for the foreseeable future.

Via Jamie Hudson of NBC Sports Northwest:

"“I pray that it can be Portland. Honestly, I think that I found a home in Portland. I got comfortable with the organization. I got comfortable with the guys on the team. They got comfortable with me. At this point in my career, I do think that’s the best fit for me… I really hope it can be Portland at the end of the day.”“I’ve been able to have another opportunity at this game. Portland – you want to say revive as the word – allowing me to come in and just be myself and be who I am and do what I do best. So I will always be appreciative of that.”"

Anthony is all for staying put in Portland, but should the team feel the same way? Without question.

The most significant question mark, however, is going to be Anthony’s payday, and if he desires a raise for his stellar play this season. The forward made just $2.159 million this season, certainly outplaying that deal, but Portland’s current cap predicament means they would likely not be able to offer him much more than they did this season, limited to under $10 million in first season salary.

At this point in his career, going to be his 18th year in the league to start the 2020-21 NBA season, money seems to be the last thing on Anthony’s mind. Before signing with Portland, Carmelo was fighting for a roster spot on any team in the league for any price, and ultimately, Portland made a move. If he is willing to accept another veteran’s minimum, given that he has around $250 million already stashed away from career earnings, then it would be an obvious choice for the Blazers to retain him.

Although he is not the bonified 20 points per game scorer that he once was, Anthony’s willingness to take a backseat offensively has benefitted him in Portland. The forward served as the perfect third complement to Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum as he provided an essential spark since coming aboard in November, a role he previously shared displeasure with in Oklahoma City and Houston.

In his short time with the team, it appears that Anthony has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on this Blazers organization, which could lead to a mutual desire to get a deal done. After Game 5, shooting guard CJ McCollum told reporters, “If it was up to me, I’d love to play with him for the rest of his career.”

Head coach Terry Stotts chimed in:

"“The fact that Melo came and played for the Blazers was special,” Stotts said. “What he meant to the team and the way he conducted himself, the way he played. Obviously, in the bubble, he made some big shots and got us into the playoffs. So I feel honored to have been able to coach him.”"

All signs point to Carmelo Anthony re-signing with the Portland Trail Blazers for at least one more season, but only time will tell if it comes to fruition.