Sam Margolin
Jul 20, 2017 · 1 min read

The Melo situation seems impossible. Executives always knew Melo is a valuable player, the idea his value was depressed seemed like a media narrative. Melo probably has the widest perception gap in the league between how fans see him (ball hogging non-winner) and how other players see him (a frightening bucket-getter that no one wants a piece of), and I think in their hearts GMs are closer to the players on this one than the fans and media. At the same time, Melo knows first hand what can happen when a team he is traded to gives up too many assets to acquire him, so he’s not going to accept a deal where the receiving team has to lose valuable players. So how can it possibly move forward? Why would the Knicks take Meyers Leonard back for a player with real value, and why would Melo go to Portland if they have to give up good young pieces and weaken themselves to do it? It’s the same problem for Houston, by the way, except Houston is in a tougher spot because they have to find a third team to give up good young players and not get Melo back.

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    Sam Margolin

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