It seems that Carmelo Anthony's departure from the Houston Rockets is all but certain and according to an ESPN report, the NBA player's representatives contacted a slew of NBA front offices in order to ensure a potential new home for the 10-time All-Star forward.
The 34-year-old did not go to Denver with his team for Tuesday's game against the Nuggets as he has been apparently ruled out with an illness. This will mark Anthony's third straight missed game with the Rockets.
Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey termed the reports of Anthony's exit as “unfair”, but as per the ESPN report, the Rockets could place Anthony on waivers as early as Monday.
Carmelo Anthony of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn, New York City, November 2, 2018. /VCG Photo
Reportedly, several GMs and their respective coaches are already in discussions over Anthony's possible role in their respective organizations. However, it's been noted in the ESPN report that it's a tough time of year for teams to make roster moves, and “patience” could be Anthony's best short-term course of action.
Anthony, who signed a one-year, 2.4-million-US-dollar veteran's minimum contract with the Rockets after he agreed to a buyout with the Atlanta Hawks before the start of the season, has played 10 games this season with two starts, averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 29.4 minutes.
Anthony's next chance to play will be Thursday when the Rockets return home to face the Warriors.
The cager has been an ALL-NBA team member six times and while playing for Denver, he led the Nuggets to the playoffs every year from 2004 to 2010, winning two division titles in that span. In 2009, Anthony led the Nuggets to their first Conference Finals appearance since 1985.
(With agency inputs)