NBA sources confirmed that Carmelo Anthony has agreed verbally to join the Houston Rockets, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Anthony became a free agent after being waived by the Atlanta Hawks on July 30 and subsequently released, choosing to commit to the Rockets. Sources indicated that he made the decision to sign with Houston upon returning from South Africa, where he recently unveiled a renovated basketball court.
The Rockets expressed interest in Anthony following the departure of forwards Luc Mbah a Moute and Trevor Ariza. The ten-time All-Star spent the summer working out with Houston’s stars Chris Paul and James Harden.
Before entering free agency, Anthony had one year left on his five-year, $27.9 million contract with the Thunder. However, after the Thunder re-signed Paul George, the organization and Anthony mutually agreed to part ways. Anthony was traded to the Hawks in a multi-team deal that brought Dennis Schroder to the Thunder, providing tax savings for the organization.
During his time with the Thunder last season, Anthony averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in 78 games. He was acquired by the Thunder in a trade with the New York Knicks in September 2017, where he tried to find his role alongside Russell Westbrook and George.
Throughout his career playing for Denver, Oklahoma, and New York, Anthony has averaged 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists in 15 seasons.
It will be intriguing to see how Anthony fits into Mike D’Antoni’s system and whether they can work well together. The two had a previous stint together in New York that ended in controversy, but reports suggest that D’Antoni is open to a reunion now.
